New world record - paddlin’ down the Missouri in a pumpkin!

Holy cow! He paddled 38 miles down the Missouri from Bellevue to Nebraska City in a >800-lb. Pumpkin he grew!



The previous record was 25.5 miles:

As a Halloween baby, I admire this improved use of pumpkins. I never liked eating them.

Glenn—thanks for giving Woodpuppy a little slack on the “canoes-only” inclination of the CT site. If not a canoe, the pumpkin was at least an open boat. And it really is a fun piece of amusement.

I once paddled a refrigerator we encountered out on the river. Never mind secondary stability, the fridge had no stability. I imagine the pumpkin was just as bad and am amazed the guy could keep it upright long enough to make his record trip.

Lots of tumblehome on that giant gourd.

Last year's world record of 38 miles was broken this year by another mile. Note that this year's record breaking pumpkin had a lot more volume and weight (1,293 pounds) than last year's (846 pounds). Good thing there were no portages; otherwise the whole event could have gone to seed.

I would take the pumpkin over some canoes and many kayaks. Not only is it more interesting, but I wouldn't have to feel guilty about leaving it in the river if it was damaged.

The shape seems much more appropriate for a play boat. I'm not sure what tricks you could do. Seems like it might be a touch heavy to kick-flip.

Double blade = disqualified.