KZN FARMER TO ATTEMPT WORLD RECORD OCEAN PADDLE FOR 100 SMILES

Safire is sponsoring adventure enthusiast and local KZN sugarcane farmer, Kyle Dohne (28), in his attempt to break the world record for the longest distance paddled non-stop  in the open ocean in 24 hours, to raise awareness for the Miles for Smiles Foundation – and at the same time hopefully give 100 children a smile of their own. The record, of 196km, was last set in 1986 by America’s Randy Fine off the coast of Florida

Part of Kyle’s journey will involve paddling for five days during daylight hours between Maputo and Durban with the record-breaking attempt taking place on one of these five days. In what promises to be an adventure of a life-time, Kyle’s journey will also be the first documented paddle between these two port cities which he hopes will raise awareness and at the same time raise enough funds to enable 100 operations to correct cleft lips and palates of 100 children.

“The day I choose to go for the record will depend on the weather conditions and on how strong I am feeling at the time. I think paddling through the night is going to be the biggest challenge for me, both mentally and physically,” said Kyle.

This endeavour forms part of Kyle’s attempt to paddle in a surf-ski in the open sea from Maputo to Durban sometime in May over five days covering a distance of approximately 288 nautical miles or 534km. The exact date of Kyle’s expedition is largely dependent on the weather and the prevailing winds, as both these play a big role in the success of the challenge. Together with a small support crew aboard a yacht carrying food, medical and hydration supplies, Kyle will paddle from port to port during daylight hours and on one of the five days, choosing a good weather day, Kyle will attempt to break the previous world record of 196km.

An accomplished paddler, Kyle was looking for an endurance adventure to satisfy both his love of paddling and at the same time participate in a quest which would also benefit those not as fortunate as himself.

“I needed a challenge ‘beyond the normal’ and started to look for something interesting that played to my strengths and weaknesses. I have always been interested in athletes who pushed the boundaries. With paddling and the ocean both being passions of mine, an enduro-paddle between Maputo and Durban really appealed to me,” said Kyle.

“I first came across Miles for Smiles when friends of mine rode their motorbikes up into Africa for the cause. Since then my niece and nephew have been born and it made me think how lucky our family is that, firstly they are both healthy and secondly that we have the means to look after their health,” said Kyle.

Kyle has set his goal at raising R500 000 which would mean 100 operations for children born with cleft and lip abnormalities. Cleft lips and cleft palates are the fourth most common birth defects in the world and are typically corrected shortly after a baby’s birth. However, for many children in rural areas, medical treatment is not available. Often these children cannot eat, speak, or even breathe properly. Due to low self-esteem, as well as feelings of isolation, these children often live as social outcasts.

“My journey will both satisfy my dreams of participating in an adventure challenge and be a part of making a real difference in people’s lives,” said Kyle.

To support Kyle’s challenge visit http://milesforsmiles.co.za/the-moyizela-challenge