Dews itching to hit water for record feats

While his year of racing is likely to be a “write-off”, Lincoln Dews still has his sights set on some major record-breaking feats.

***2018 photo***Lincoln Dews won the paddle league world title in 2018.

PADDLING: While his year of racing is likely to be a "write- off", Lincoln Dews still has his sights set on some major record-breaking feats.

The 24-year-old had a big year planned and was looking to again contest the Paddle League World Tour SUP events along with the arduous Molokai 2 Oahu test.

He even had some offshore racing in Europe on the radar.

However, with the coronavirus pandemic taking hold, those are likely not to happen.

Regardless, he's determined to push himself in the ocean before year's end, with two world records in his sights.

The Maroochydore athlete is intent on attempting either a 12 hour paddleboard-hydrofoil or SUP speed and distance record.

"We actually announced we were going to try the hydrofoil one off Sydney in April but obviously pretty well as soon as we announced it and had everything in place everything shut down (due to coronavirus)," Dews said.

While it's on hold for now, Dews was optimistic he'd get his chance to chase one of them within the next six months.

"Those world records I can chase without needing an event with a lot of people so I guess as soon as some of the regulations get lifted and as soon as I can travel interstate and get the right conditions they'll be first on the agenda," he said.

The hydrofoil speed and distance record was the main goal, aiming to cover 240km in 12 hours, but the feat required a lengthy window of near perfect conditions.

If the conditions weren't right, Dews said he'd tackle the other record, aiming to SUP for 12 hours and cover roughly 130km.

"I've never done anything for 12 hours," he said.

"I've done a lot of offshore yacht racing where you're operating for long times but to do something physical for 12 hours is a big ask especially in the open ocean."

The 2019 technical SUP world champion was being supported by Ribco Australia and also aimed to raise funds for bushfire victims.

With a new date yet to be set due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Dews was keeping himself busy with lifeguard duties on the Coast while still trying to stay in shape.

"It's tricky," he said.

"I'm trying to keep as fit as I can because if the day comes and resources are in place we'll go.

"So, I'm kind of training for that unknown."

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