Brian Talma has done it again.
Barbados’ most renowned kite surfer is also the country’s last man standing after completing the round-the-island stand-up paddling event, Last Waterman Stand, in first place earlier this week.
The former Olympic windsurfer started just outside his Action Beach Shop in Silver Sands on Wednesday morning around 6 a.m. and returned just before 9 p.m. to finish the trek in 15 hours and 17 minutes – right on par with the time he did last year.
“The sun is the main challenge because it is difficult to do anything when it’s scorching and then sometimes the water gets very choppy,” explained Talma of the challenges.
“There are a lot of mental things going on as some guys start to hallucinate and battle with feelings of loneliness, but I have paddled Barbados by myself already so it’s become very comfortable.
“And for me it’s one of the most beautiful things I have ever done. The day after now I am good but before it took about three weeks to recover,” he added.
It’s the third time Talma has paddled around the island, having previously done the trek as part of his Beach World Culture Tour promoting Barbados as an ideal paddle surfing destination.
Brit Nael Gent provided a brief challenge on this occasion, sticking on Talma’s heels before eventually dropping out the race at Carlisle Bay when it got dark.
He was just one of five surfers to pull out before completing the race as only three competitors managed to finish the gruelling round-the-island event.
Talma’s brother Kevin was second in a time of 18 hours and 28 minutes before Frenchman Papa Jules returned 19 hours and 16 minutes at sea.
Brian Talma is set to travel to Hawaii next week for ten days to further promote Barbados as part of his Beach Culture World Tour. (JM)
