Two world records, and one very small board... Panama surfing champion Gary Saavedra is hoping to create history at Red Bull Canal Cross on March 19. Here are the numbers you need to know...
13...
Okay, this one isn't so much lucky as unlucky, but it's a good place to start in any case as this is how many national surfing championships the star of the show, Panama's own Gary Saavedra, has amassed during his career. He's got all the credentials and now he has to prove himself worthy of entering the record books. “I am ready for the Red Bull Canal Cross. I have been training for months and I am prepared for the physical and mental challenges that await me,” said the surfer, who has been training both in and out of the water. “I am doing a lot of cardio, swimming and strengthening of my legs."
45...
Saavedra hopes to ride a wave created by a wakesurfing boat continuously for four hours. If he does, he will break two world records for the longest wave ever surfed and the longest time on a non-static wave. Perhaps the most challenging feat of the two is the longest time on a non-static wave. “The current record is 45 minutes and my goal is four hours,” says Saavedra, assessing the task ahead of him succinctly. Representatives of the Guinness Book of World Records will fly to Panama to certify the feats.
77...
A 77km-long ship canal built into the narrowest saddle of the isthmus to connect North and South America in the beginning of the 20th century, the Panama Canal is considered one of the modern wonders of the world. It permits vessels to transit from the Pacific to the Atlantic ocean and vice versa. Saavedra will start surfing after the last lock in the Pacific Ocean side of the Panama Canal (the Pedro Miguel lock) and continue through to the Gatun Lake and then back again.
14,000...
Up to 14,000 vessels from all over the world use the canal every year, with commercial transportation activities through the canal representing approximately 5% of the world trade. Since it will be business as usual on the Panama Canal the day of Saavedra's record-breaking attempt, the surfer will have to be able to maintain his balance while tackling the waves created by the massive neighbouring vessels – and their no doubt quizzical crew!
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