Rick Swenson, who in 2016 accomplished a 25-mile trip inside a pumpkin when he paddled from Grand Forks, N.D., to Oslo, Minn., holds the title. However Hansen’s 38-mile float on Saturday would blow previous that report. If verified by Guinness World Data, he might be part of those that have pushed the bounds on what’s doable — whether or not rising eight-foot-long beards, spinning basketballs atop toothbrushes or stopping electrical followers with their tongues.
Officers in Bellevue, Neb., introduced Hansen’s report on Saturday, simply hours after he’d accomplished the voyage to Nebraska Metropolis.
“Congratulations Duane for smashing the world report,” they wrote in a Facebook post. “We’re proud that you simply began this report breaking 38 mile journey in Bellevue.”
Guinness World Data didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark from The Washington Submit. To validate a report, the group requires evidence with its submissions, together with photographs, movies and witness statements. It seems Hansen has taken some steps to adjust to the principles, after members of the family and officers documented his voyage.
Hansen spent about 11 hours floating in his pumpkin. Individuals throughout the globe adopted his progress, wishing Hansen Godspeed — or as one fan put it, “gourdspeed.”
Hansen is understood for rising giant pumpkins and different produce. When he first approached Bellevue officers about sending his big pumpkin down the river, they didn’t know he can be driving in it.
“Looks as if a novel if not barely loopy strategy to have fun his sixtieth birthday,” Bellevue’s Fb publish states. Hansen’s birthday was Aug. 26.
Earlier than launching, Hansen needed to carve the “boat.” With a circumference of round 146 inches, Berta was giant sufficient for Hansen to suit inside as soon as the pumpkin was hollowed out.
Hansen wakened early two days later to start his try. The gourd, strapped over a mattress, was hauled on a trailer. Clad in denim shorts, a life jacket and a camouflage hat, Hansen took off round 7:30 a.m. as household, mates and metropolis officers watched from the Bellevue public boat docks. “SS Berta” was written on the again of the pumpkin.
Photographs posted by the town present Hansen utilizing a brilliant yellow paddle to steer a partly submerged pumpkin alongside the “Big Muddy” — the identical river from which Lewis and Clark launched their expedition over 200 years in the past.
His journey was not with out challenges, Hansen instructed News Channel Nebraska. He had “to be on high of it the entire time,” Hansen instructed the outlet. Waves from passing boats threatened to tip his pumpkin greater than as soon as.
“You’ve acquired to cease every thing and simply maintain on and journey with these waves. That was dangerous,” he stated.
By 2:52 p.m., Hansen had hit the 25.5-mile mark, the town of Bellevue wrote in an replace. At that time, he’d damaged the report set in 2016, officers stated. Practically 4 hours and 13 miles later, he arrived on the marina in Nebraska Metropolis, the place a crowd of household, mates and followers have been awaiting with loud cheers and comfortable tears.
“I’m so happy with my dad. … He has at all times stated that you are able to do something you need and how will you not imagine any individual who goes out and does precisely what he desires?” Hansen’s daughter, Morgan Buchholz, instructed Information Channel Nebraska. “I’m simply so proud.”
On social media, pumpkin puns and congratulations for the brand new “Cinderfella” began pouring in from so far as Australia. A Twitter post about Hansen’s journey has gained almost 125,000 likes since Saturday.
When Hansen’s spouse, Allyson, was requested what it’s wish to have a world-record-holding husband, she instructed Information Channel Nebraska, “I by no means know what’s going to be subsequent.”
For Hansen, it’s go huge or gourd house.
