(posted 7715 days ago)It's all in a good jaws
Mar 4 2003
By Chris PragnellSouth London Press
DEATH defying surfer Monty Young might just struggle to get life insurance.Armed with a surfboard and swimming trunks, the fearless south Londoner plans to PADDLE from Cuba to Florida in some of the most shark-infested waters in the world.
Using the motto 'No sharks please, we're British', Monty and a trio of chums will brave the notorious Gulf Stream to cross the 112 miles in July.
But the intrepid 33-year-old security consultant from Kennington Lane is shrugging off the danger.
"Sure there's a worry about sharks," he said. "I think they fished out a sixmetre great white around there - one of the world's biggest. But we are prepared."
Up to now Monty and his three pals have been practising their paddling technique on the tranquil Thames.
But apart from a brush with the law, the scenic river route from Twickenham to Vauxhall has not posed any immediate threat.
Paddling for their lives - and Cancer Research - alongside Monty will be Jay Layton, Jason De Groot and James McKenzie. The foursome make up Team Cuba. "You literally just use your arms and shoulders - it takes a hell of a lot of exertion," said Monty. "Paddle-boarding has been around since the 1920s. Hawaiians used it to get between islands."
The surf enthusiasts will compete against professional paddle-boarders from across the world.
Monty said they had a few tricks up their sleeves to keep the sharks at bay.
A three-metre protective device will be attached to each paddler to repel the sharks. The equipment sends out electronic pulses which are picked up by the sharks' noses.
A team of shark watchers will also keep their eyes peeled close by.
If the worst happens, the paddlers can be pulled to safety on deck.
By risking their lives in the perilous depths, they hope to raise around £25,000 for Cancer Research.
Friends at Monty's local, the South London Pacific in Kennington Lane, will hold a couple of fundraising evenings to help.
The first is on March 20.