Just yesterday, ex-WQS competitor Blake Johnston broke the former Guinness World Record for the longest surf session by surfing for 40 hours and riding more than 700 waves within that time period.
The goal was to raise awareness for youth mental health and raise money for the Chumpy Pullin Foundation. Johnston lost his own father to suicide, and this year marks the 10th anniversary of his father’s passing.
The previous record was set by South African Josh Enslin who surfed for 30 hours and 11 minutes. According to CBS News, Johnston started surfing at 1 AM Thursday morning under the illumination of spotlights, and when he finished his session 40 hours later, he was met with “rapturous applause from hundreds of supporters who had gathered at Sydney’s Cronulla Beach to watch.”
Some of surfing’s biggest names took to Johnston’s IG to congratulate him on the feat. “You’re a absolute King!! @blakeyjohnston good on ya mate very inspiring stuff,” wrote Mick Fanning.
Thanks to everyone’s support, Johnston raised more than $330,000 AUD (US$221,000).