Nebraska Man Paddles 38 Miles in Hollow Pumpkin to Break World Record (Autumn Goals?)

If you’re looking for a fun way to usher in fall, look no further. Take inspiration from a Nebraska man who paddled 38 miles down a river in a hollow pumpkin.

Why would anyone do such a thing? To break a world record, of course. (And beat the severe boredom inherent of retirement, we’re guessing.)

The brave soul who took on this challenge is named Duane Hansen and he’s 60 years old. In late August, Hansen got in an 846-pound pumpkin and rowed, rowed, rowed his gourd gently down the Missouri River.

He now officially holds the title of “Longest Journey by Pumpkin Boat,” according to the Guinness World Record. The previous victor, a man named Rick Swenson from Grand Forks, North Dakota, paddled 25.5 miles in a pumpkin in 2016.

The City of Bellevue, Nebraska, documented Hansen’s journey from crazy idea to impressive reality on its Facebook page.

“Mr. Hansen is a long time Nebraska resident who enjoys growing large pumpkins, gourds and other vegetables as a hobby. He came up with this idea when visiting Ohio and seeing another person attempt to set this record which is currently right around 30 miles. Seems like a unique if not slightly crazy way to celebrate his 60th birthday, which was yesterday,” the city’s Facebook post read.

“So this morning, on the banks of the Missouri River at the Bellevue Public Boat Docks, Mr. Hansen hopped in the pumpkin at approximately 7:30AM to attempt to make the 38 mile trip to Nebraska City in his 846 pound floating pumpkin,” the post continued. “He had his wife, family and friends on hand to assist with and help document the attempt. A few of them were following alongside him in a boat should any mishaps occur. Thank you for starting your world record attempt in Bellevue!”

“Once you’re on the river, that damn thing was so tippy, it was unbelievable. It was like riding in a cork,” Hansen later told Today. “I’m glad I did it. I mean, 30 miles is a long ways to go in a pumpkin down a river, but I’m sure someday somebody will try to beat it.”

What do you think, Mandatory readers? Do you dare try to top this record? If so, gourd luck!

Cover Photo: aristotoo (Getty Images)