Josh Enslin’s Guinness World Record

Port Elizabeth – Local Port Elizabeth surfer Josh Enslin, 30, braved the cold conditions at Pollock Beach on the weekend to set a new Guinness World Record for the Longest Surf Session.

His session lasted for 30 hours and 11 minutes, while the previous record was set by Ben Shaw (USA) was 29 hours 27 minutes.

During his day-night-day session, Enslin caught 455 waves, which equals one wave every four minutes, and R30 000 was raised for the CYOH Charity Drive.

“It was windy, calm, sunny and freezing during the surf,” said Enslin of his record breaking surf.

“It really was four seasons in two days. The toughest part for me was the 02:00 to 04:00 stretch. Conditions were freezing, fatigue had set in, and my body was freezing. The waves had picked up as well, so I was duck diving all the time.”

Enslin admitted that it was a mental as well as a physical challenge.

“I was thinking, ‘push forward, you can do this,’ and on the 27th hour I knew I had it.”

When it was all over, Josh remained on site, helping to pack up with the CYOH Surf Club crew.

“I still had some energy left, but this was clearly from the hype, as when I got home I passed out in thirty seconds.”

When it was all over, all Josh had left to do was thank some people.

“I really want to thank the CYOH Surf Club, Jakes, my fiancé, mom and dad and step-dad and all my family and friends for the support,” said Josh.

“Also a massive thanks to Billabong and all the amazing sponsors for making this a reality.”

The World Record has yet to be officially announced by Guinness, as they will go through the event footage before making the official announcement, but it does seem like a done deal.

Sport24