Kayaker aims to set world record

Tauranga kayaker Tim Taylor, who is in his final preparations for his world record attempt at kayaking 220km. Photo / John Borren

Tauranga kayaker Tim Taylor is just days from paddling off on his attempt to break a world record which has stood for 28 years.

In 1986 American Randy Fine set a world record by paddling 194.1km solo in 24 hours - the same year 28-year-old Taylor was born.

Now the passionate kayak-fishing guide plans to complete a gruelling 220km solo kayaking expedition from Omaha Beach, north of Auckland to Mount Maunganui within 24 hours.

It's a challenge Taylor said he had been looking for since he solo circumnavigated New Zealand in a sea kayak between 2010-2012.

"I thrive on challenges and needed something new to focus on to keep myself motivated," he said.

Taylor has been training since August on a 15kg ocean-racing Think Evo surf-ski supplied by Fergs Kayaks.

After a hard summer of training, including paddling 30-50km a day, Taylor said if the weather and sea conditions came right he would head off on his epic journey on Saturday or Sunday.

Taylor admits this would be one of the hardest challenges he had done within a 24-hour period.

Watch Tim in action:

To keep himself "100 per cent energised" while he waited for a gap in the weather, he had been "mixing up" his training with daily 15km paddles, mountain biking and running, as well as continuing with his day job as a paddling and fishing guide.

For the surf-ski to perform at its optimum, Taylor said he needed winds of 10kts or less, especially during the night and calm seas of less than 1m.

To set the record he also needed to maintain an average speed of at least 9.1km/hr, and remain physically and mentally focused the whole way.

"If I can do 9.5 to 10km/h, completing this 24-hour challenge is perfectly achievable."

Some people have questioned Taylor's sanity for wanting to do it, countless others have asked him, "can you do it?

Taylor said every time another person asks him that question it only makes him more determined to prove to his doubters he can add his name to the history books.

"Even if I can beat the record by one kilometre I'll be pleased."