When Dale Sanders arrived in Luling, Louisiana, USA, on Wednesday 31 August 2022, he had just finished paddling 2,350 miles.
Known as “Greybeard,” the Bartlett, Tennessee, USA, man, who was 87 years old at the time, paddled for 87 days, becoming the oldest person to paddle the length of the Mississippi River (male).
Dale set off on his journey from Lake Itasca, Minnesota, USA, on his birthday on 14 June 2022 hoping to break the record.
However, it wasn’t Dale’s first time paddling the length of the Mississippi River.
Although he wasn’t officially recognized, Dale first paddled the river when he turned 80 in the summer of 2015.
“I just couldn’t turn down the opportunity to reclaim my personal record and at the same time get a new, official Guinness World Records title,” he said.
“Successful it was, and I was awarded the title after completing my 14 June 2022 paddle which I did in 87 days at 87 years old.”
To prepare for his outstanding feat, Dale says planning along with physical and mental preparation was key.
He trained physically by building a barn and says it took tons of internet work to prepare for the adventure.
Dale chose to paddle the Mississippi River using a canoe measuring 15 feet 6 inches.
He chose the human-powered boat because of its historical significance as the traditional craft for Native Americans.
“I don’t understand why anyone would want to paddle anything else,” said Dale.
“I hybrid paddled her, which meant I used a double-blade kayak paddle.”
Dale says the most exciting view during his voyage was the vast expansion view of the Gulf of Mexico on the last day of his paddle.
He also enjoyed crossing paths with people who wanted to help, whom he referred to as “river angels.”
“Of course, Guinness World Records was with me at heart,” said Dale.
“I always let people know this paddle was an attempt to set yet another Guinness World Records title.”
Dale also ran into a bit of danger during his paddle as massive ships approached him, seemingly head-on at full speed.
However, Dale says just like in swimming, the most dangerous thing on the river is oneself.
“It is not the monster river depicted in the movies,” he said.
“She can be gentle, but you must prepare yourself in advance.”
Dale also ran into some other minor issues including heat, mud, insects, and low water.
Logistics like keeping a fresh supply of food onboard was also an issue.
However, that did not deter Dale from attempting to break the record.
“True dedication to the mission was essential,” said Dale.
“If one is not dedicated to accomplishing the mission, don’t even try it in the first place.”
Dale says long hours of doing nothing but paddling would sometimes lead to boredom.
“Routine was the name of the game,” he said.
“But one must keep alert, for the Mississippi River is non-forgiving. It will take you if you make a mistake.”
To distract himself, Dale often thought about God, his family, and completing his barn.
“One will find themselves engaged in a large variety of subjects,” he said.
“Whatever made me happy - that’s what I would think about.”
Dale also says remaining positive and avoiding negative thoughts was a key factor to the success of his paddle.
He is glad to have been recognized by Guinness World Records and enjoys the personal feeling of accomplishment.
“Staying healthy depends on being happy, keeping active, and living a good quality spiritual life,” said Dale.
“Just the exercise alone makes it all worthwhile.”
Dale also says most of his family and friends support his record-setting endeavours, while some are jealous, and others believe he is crazy.
“My wife, the most important one, is my best fan and supports my paddling and hiking adventures,” he said.
“But, she has not and will not paddle and hike with me.”
Next, Dale aspired to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail again, which involves end-to-end backpacking on a long-distance trail.
“The first and only time I hiked her was in 2017 at the age of 82,” he said.
“I claimed the age record and it was pretty well accepted that my hike was a world record, but not by Guinness World Records.”
Dale intends to submit a Guinness World Records application, requesting a new record title be created for the oldest person to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail in one trip of 12 months or less.
“I intend to file an application with Guinness World Records, requesting a new age record title be created,” he said.
“Hopefully, the next time I hike her when I turn 90 in 2025, Guinness World Records will be there.”
Dale urges those interested in paddling the Mississippi River to prepare themselves by fully dedicating themselves to the mission.
“Make sure to prepare your mind, body, and spirit before attempting such a feat,” he said.
“With the right attitude, mindset, physical conditioning, and advanced logistics preparation, just about anyone can paddle her.”
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