INQUIRER Sports

GUINNESS WORLD record-holder Khoo Swee Chiow is set to kayak the 3,500-kilometer length of the Philippine archipelago in an event dubbed the Kayak of Hope set this Aug. 15.

“Last year, I hardly knew the Philippines. After hearing that it’s a country composed of beautiful islands, it triggered my curiosity and made me want to explore this magnificent country,” Khoo said.

Khoo laid down his master plan in a recent visit to Cebu City to train for kayaking and canopying with his logistic team composed of experienced adventure racers, headed by Randy Su of the Habagat Team.

The 100 days of paddling will start at the Saranggani Province in Southern Mindanao passing thru the Visayan islands and eventually end up in Pagudpud Province at the northern tip of Luzon.

“It will be a very exciting experience, exploring, facing challenges along the way and establish long lasting friendship,” Khoo said.

Khoo has reached the peak of Mount Everest in 1998, crossed the South Pole in 1999, completed 7 summits in 2000, successfully climbed mount Shishapangma in China without oxygen in 2001, crossed the North Pole in 2002, competed in cycling in Beijing in 2003, swam the straits of Malacca in 2004 and returned to Mount Everest in 2006.

The two world records he is currently holding is the World’s Longest Scuba Dive anf the World's Longest Journey on Skates. /Correspondent Iste Leopoldo