Britt becomes first Kiwi to paddle Cook Strait
Britt Spencer has become the first Kiwi to cross the Cook Strait on a prone paddle board. Photo: Supplied.
It's official, Britt Spencer is the first Kiwi to cross the Cook Strait on a prone paddle board.
Britt and her support team set of from Waikawa, Picton at 5.30am on Tuesday morning, heading to Arapaoa Island where she began her paddle to Ohau Point in Mākara, Wellington shortly after 7am.
She managed to get herself across the almost 22km stretch of water in just 4hrs 8 minutes, touching down on land at 11.20am.
Britt’s attempt doubles as fundraising to support the building of a permanent facility for the Nelson Surf Life Saving Club.
Britt told the Nelson Weekly before her paddle that she didn't have much anxiety around the challenge, because she knows what she's doing it for.
“We’ve needed a clubhouse for the longest time, and I can’t even say how much it holds us back.”
Originally planned for Monday, the paddle was pushed to Tuesday with the weather looking more favourable to allow her to cross.
The paddle was a team effort with a primary support boat and other vessels in the water alongside.
Donate to Britt's paddle and help the Nelson Surf Life Saving Club build their new facility here.