On 18 July at 6:09 am, New Zealand rider Jeremiah McDonald launched from Giske, Norway, with one goal: push the limits of what was thought possible in wing foil.
Nearly twenty-four hours later, at 5:46 am the following morning, he crossed the finish line having covered an astonishing 805.1 kilometres in 23 hours and 37 minutes, setting a new 24-hour wingfoiling world record aboard the ENSIS DOUBLE ACE.
More than an Individual Achievement
Although Jeremiah was alone on the water, the record was anything but a solo effort.
A dedicated support team followed the challenge from boats, the shoreline and even from the other side of the world. Local volunteers in Norway coordinated safety throughout the night, while family, friends and the team behind the Trace tracking system continuously monitored his progress and encouraged him through live calls.
Without stopping once during the attempt, Jeremiah relied on this constant stream of information and support to keep pace and stay focused.
Without being able to stop for breaks, the digital support made a world of difference. My family, local friends and sponsors kept calling throughout the night. Hearing their voices reminded me I wasn't alone".
A Mental Battle
Spending almost an entire day on foil demands far more than physical fitness. Changing wind, fatigue, cold temperatures and maintaining concentration hour after hour all become part of the challenge. That’s why Jeremiah believes the real challenge happened in his mind.
His first objective was to reach 500 kilometres within 12 hours. Two early crashes immediately put him behind schedule, forcing him to chase the target for the next six hours.
Against all odds, he reached the milestone with only one minute to spare.
From there, the challenge changed completely.
It became about enduring fatigue, cold temperatures and finding the determination to continue long after his body wanted to stop.
The last hour and a half were the hardest. I had no energy left, I was freezing cold, and even maintaining foil height became difficult. Without question, this was the hardest mental challenge I've ever done".
Built through preparation
While the attempt lasted almost twenty-four hours, the preparation started long before.
With five years of wing foiling and four seasons competing on the international circuit, Jeremiah already had a strong foundation. His background in rowing and adventure racing helped prepare him physically, but he knew this challenge would ultimately depend on mindset.
Conditions and Equipment
Norway offered the perfect conditions, thanks to its long summer daylight and the Gulf Stream. After spending several weeks preparing in Giske, everything was ready.
Throughout the journey, Jeremiah relied on the ENSIS DOUBLE ACE, whose efficiency, stability and consistent power delivery allowed him to maintain speed over hundreds of kilometres and changing conditions.
Defining
When asked to describe the experience in a single word, Jeremiah didn't hesitate.
Defining.
Not because of the record itself, but because of what it taught him.
Your body can keep going longer than your mind wants to believe. I learned not to let the fear of not knowing if you can do something stop you from trying".
Yet perhaps the greatest reward wasn't the number on the GPS. It was the people.
One of the biggest things I gained was so many new friendships and an overwhelming gratitude for everyone who supported me. That made all the difference".
More Than a World Record
Records are measured in kilometres, hours and statistics. But the story behind them is measured differently.
For Jeremiah McDonald, 805.1 kilometres became a lesson in resilience, trust and perseverance. Supported by an incredible community and powered by the ENSIS DOUBLE ACE, he proved that extraordinary achievements begin long before the start line—and are only possible when determination meets preparation.
Congratulations, Jeremiah, on an unforgettable achievement.
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