In a monumental test of endurance and resolve, Bonnie Goethels has secured the Guinness World Records title for the “greatest distance by stand up paddleboard (SUP) on flat water in one month.” Over 30 consecutive days, Goethels paddled a staggering 520.4 miles (837.5 km) on Lake Norman in North Carolina, an achievement that no other woman has ever accomplished.
Goethels’s journey, which began on August 30, 2024, was far from smooth. For hours each day, she battled against the elements, including choppy waters, the wakes of raucous boaters, and even the remnants of Hurricane Helene, which brought strong winds and storms to the area. Despite the pain, exhaustion, and physical challenges, she persevered, driven by a desire to “make a difference” and inspire her children.
“When you take a passion, and a desire to make a difference, and you pair that up with the idea of how far you can take something, I suppose that’s when you end up with a world record,” she said.
Goethels’s record-breaking paddle was not just a personal challenge but also a fundraiser for a local charity, Victoria’s Voice, which works to prevent drug abuse and fund overdose prevention efforts. Her incredible journey, documented on her website LKN520.com, has not only earned her a place in the record books but has also raised significant awareness and funds for a cause close to her heart.
