Pumpkins can sometimes grow huge in size, making them the perfect vessel for a makeshift boat. A Nebraska man celebrated his 60th birthday by paddling his large, hollowed-out pumpkin 38 miles.
Duane Hansen climbed into his pumpkin named “Berta” in the early hours of the morning and drifted down the banks of the Missouri River in Bellevue. At 7:30 a.m. he set off on his journey and spent the next 11 hours paddling the 846-pound floating pumpkin the 38 miles to Nebraska City.
Bellevue city officials attended Hansen’s launch to be witnesses for his effort to be recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records, which they posted about on Facebook. They also congratulated Hansen on his accomplishment.
“Congratulations Duane for smashing the world record. We are proud that you started this record breaking 38 mile journey in Bellevue,” the Facebook post read.
Hansen’s journey aimed to break the Guinness World Record for the longest journey by pumpkin boat. This record was set at 25.5 miles by Rick Swenson from North Dakota in 2016.
Evidence from Hansen’s attempt must still be submitted to Guinness World Records for official recognition. It often takes months to be officially recognized by the organization.