Blake Johnston has set a new record for the world’s longest surf
Surviving on sushi, peanut butter sandwiches, lollies and beetroot juice, Sydney surfer Blake Johnston has proven the impossible is possible. And he’s done it all for an incredible cause.
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Surviving on sushi, peanut butter sandwiches, lollies and beetroot juice, Sydney surfer Blake Johnston has proven the impossible is possible.
The 40-year-old father from Cronulla has broken the world record for the longest surf in history having ridden 707 waves in his 40-hour marathon and raised $300,000 for mental health charities.
Under spotlights to brighten the black waters, Johnston entered North Cronulla beach on Thursday at 1am, only to return to the sand 40 hours later at 5.07pm on Friday.
Johnston smashed the previous world record of 30 hours and 11 minutes.
With bloodshot eyes and badly wrinkled skin, an exhausted Johnston slumped into the arms of his wife Lauren and sons Bobby and Duke as soon as he returned to land.
A medical crew on-site immediately commenced testing on the Cronulla surf school owner, who took on the challenge to inspire others.
Before being taken away by ambulance for further testing of his vitals, a depleted and waterlogged Johnston thanked the thousands of supporters and onlookers who had lined North Cronulla beach for the duration of the remarkable feat.
“The last 10 hours I was struggling and even now I’ve just realised I’m no longer in the water,” Johnston said.
“I kept going for everyone here on the beach and who has supported this cause.
“Your life is worth living for.”
As first reported by News Corp last July, Johnston took on the challenge amidst the threat of sharks, hypothermia, insomnia, dehydration and swollen eyeballs.
In order to survive the energy-sapping feat, Johnston maintained an hourly intake of food and liquid.
His meal plans, which were consumed via short trips to the water’s edge, included 28 pieces of salmon and avocado sushi, eight bananas, 22 protein balls, 12 bottles of beetroot juice, three litres of orange juice, 10 litres of electrolyte drink, seven litres of water and three litres of coconut water.
Johnston’s extraordinary feat resulted in more than $300,000 being raised for the Chumpy Pullin Foundation, where the proceeds will be directed towards mental health awareness.
Premier Dominic Perrottet guaranteed $15,000 from the Premier’s Discretionary fund. The offer was also matched by opposition leader Chris Minns, should he make it into office.
The record was achieved by Johnston on the 10th anniversary of his father taking his own life.
HOW TO SURVIVE 40 HOURS IN THE SURF
28 pieces of salmon and avocado sushi
8 bananas
7 peanut butter and honey sandwiches
24 cups of grapes
30 lollies
3 sachets of acai
22 protein balls
12 bottles of beetroot juice
3 litres of orange juice
10 litres of electrolyte drink
7 litres of water
3 litres of coconut water
Originally published as Blake Johnston has set a new record for the world’s longest surf
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