Pearson, 42, is a former Rotorua Boys' High student and River Rats manager. A top junior cyclist, at 19 he suffered a serious accident which ended his cycling aspirations. A fan of all water sports, he did a bit of stand-up paddling "on and off" while living in Mt Maunganui.
Then almost five years ago he moved to Airlie Beach - on the Queensland coast looking out towards Hamilton Island - where he has developed "a bit of an obsession" with the sport.
It's one of the fastest growing water sports in the world although Pearson admits he's about the only one in the tourist town willing to brave the waters.
Pearson is now waiting to hear back from the Guinness Book of World Records who have already acknowledged the significance of crossing the passage.
In the meantime he has been fielding calls from water sports publications around the world.
He's already planning his next challenge and there's no doubting the competitive edge when it comes to the timing.
"It will be a 42km paddle from Whitehaven Beach to the mainland, through the passage again," he said.
"We heard there were some others coming to try it in October so all going to plan I will do it before they turn up."
Pearson has the support of paddle board company Sunny King who have given him seven boards, for use in different conditions.
He gives a few lessons on the side, around running his adventure photography business, but makes sure he gets out on the water most days to indulge his obsession and prepare for the next big challenge.
Stand-up paddle boarding, a cross between canoeing and surfing, is growing in popularity nationwide with local company Rotorua Paddle Tours one of the first to run stand-up paddle tours of our lakes and rivers.
