Kayaker smashes world record

Tauranga kayaker Tim Taylor has smashed the world record for a 24-hour solo kayak journey this morning, surpassing the previous record of 194.1km at 4.30am and paddling on until 7am.

Mr Taylor has been picked up by his support boat and is bound for land to be welcomed home at Salisbury Wharf at 8am.

About 5.30am his support crew posted on Facebook, "Tim is nearing the mount and heading around main beach side to paddle down Papamoa and get some more kms under his belt. He wants to get 220km but has already unofficially broken the current record ! Boom !"

And at 7.30am they updated, "Tim's stuffed! We've got him onboard and we're driving into Sailsbury wharf. Will be there at 8am."

Earlier, his sister Steph Taylor spoke from the support boat, saying Tim was in good spirits and was "way ahead of schedule".

"He's doing really well," said Miss Taylor.

"He reached the 100km half way mark and turned around to make his way back home."

Mr Taylor, 28, left from Pilot Bay at 8am yesterday morning heading north towards Hahei then back to Tauranga harbour to complete a gruelling 220km solo kayaking expedition.

The previous world record for a 24-hour solo kayaking journey was 194.1km.

From the Bay of Plenty Times

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