Kayaking: Taylor set for 24-hour record attempt

Tauranga kayaker Tim Taylor in training for his challenge of rowing 220km within 24 hours. Photo / Supplied

Tauranga kayak fishing guide and solo New Zealand kayaker Tim Taylor is in the final two weeks of preparations for his world record attempt.

A passionate kayaking guide working out of Mount Maunganui, Taylor had been searching for his next challenge ever since the completion of his solo seakayaking expedition where he circumnavigated New Zealand (2010-2012).

"I strive on challenges and need something to focus on to keep motivated," Taylor said.

"When I did some research I learnt that there are many types of kayaking records, but the one I was drawn to was the "greatest distance in 24 hours in a kayak - male - ocean." It turns out this is 194.1km but I was shocked to find this was set in 1986 ... the year I was born."

The intended route starts at Omaha Beach north of Auckland and finishes at Mount Maunganui. This is roughly 220km and to achieve this goal he has to maintain 9.1km/h.

"Kayaking for 10-12 hours was the norm while on my New Zealand circumnavigation so I'd already knew that my body could handle the big days. I reasoned that if I was in a kayak that weighs a quarter of my old sea kayak, I should easily be able to paddle for 24 hours."

After a hard summer of training Taylor is in his final weeks of preparation. Using a Think Evo surfski, which has been supplied by Ferg's Kayaks, he's paddling 30-50km every day for his training.

"I still hold down a full-time job as a kayak guide so it's been impossible to get away for long periods of time. Even doing a three to four hour training session after a full day of guiding is often a stretch ... it's a real mental game."

For this record Taylor needs very specific weather conditions. For his surfski to perform at it's optimum, he needs light north-northeast winds and a swell of up to 1m. He is just planning to watch the forecasts and go when he gets the best combination.