Former ironwoman returns to Gold Coast after record-breaking surf ski paddle

After 12,700 kilometres paddling her surf ski around mainland Australia, former ironwoman Bonnie Hancock says in hindsight, she “had no idea what was coming”.

“There’s a part of me that’s very glad I didn’t,”  Ms Hancock told the ABC on a satellite phone as she paddled into the Gold Coast Seaway.

“I’ve been near hypothermic, the biggest shark sightings — oh my goodness so scary — and definitely some crocodiles up there in the Kimberley.

“If I knew all of that was coming I might of thought twice but it’s been far more incredible and also hard than I ever imagined.”

What started at Mermaid Beach last December, has ended 254 days later with an expected four world records and more than $65,000 raised for mental health charity Gotcha 4 Life.

 

Swells and sea sickness

While paddling 500 kilometres off the Great Australian Bight, Ms Hancock endured 17 days of six-metre swells, storms and freezing conditions.

She suffered near hypothermia and sea sickness, resulting in her being hospitalised for dehydration and fatigue at Esperance.

“I lost eight kilos over two weeks, I kept no food down,” she said.

“It was very touch and go … it was very scary for me.”

Ms Hancock said after eight months at sea, it was “a surreal feeling” to be back home on the Gold Coast.

“I’ve been out in the head winds in Far North Queensland and up in the Kimberley in the middle of the ocean and to be here safe on the Gold Coast shore is just fantastic,” she said.

“To be surrounded by family and friends I really couldn’t ask for anything more.”

 

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Key points:

  • Bonnie Hancock has completed a record-breaking circumnavigation of Australia on a surf ski
  • Supporters say “she has been through hell” but has raised $65,000 for a mental health charity
  • She encountered whales, sharks and crocodiles, while battling intense swells and sea sickness

Source
ABC News

 

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