‘Pretty cooked’: Sydney man surfs more than 700 waves over 40 hours in world record

A Sydney man has surfed 40 hours straight to break the world record and raise funds for mental health.

Former pro-surfer Blake Johnston emerged from the waves at Cronulla Beach to cheering crowds as a Guinness World Record holder for the longest surf on Friday morning– before hopping back in for more.

The 40-year-old father of two told Nine he felt “pretty cooked” after surfing about 525 waves over 30 hours and 11 minutes, but managed to jump back in.

At 5pm when he finally finished his surf, Johnston was carried on the shoulders of friends up the beach in celebration. He was looked over by paramedics before being transported to hospital for observation.

By the end of his surf, Johnston had clocked more than 700 waves and 40 hours.

“Everyone deserves to feel awesome ... deserves to take care of yourself,” Johnston said through tears before running back into the water on Friday morning.

Johnston began surfing early on Thursday morning with the goal to raise $250,000 for mental health.

As of Friday evening, Johnston had raised almost $335,000 which will go to the Chumpy Pullin Foundation and towards youth mental health causes.

Johnston began the personal challenge as this year marked 10 years since his father lost a battle with mental health.

Three of Johnston’s friends have died from mental health conditions.

“It affected me personally a lot too. I have my own battles,” Johnston said on his website.

“I push myself to the limits with my adventures to prove to myself I’m worthy and can get through hard times and that’s when my lessons are learnt.”

Crisis support is available from Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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