Latest news with #GreatLoop
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Yahoo
71-year-old Robert Youens lands in Pensacola beating Great Loop record in Jon boat
Robert Youens, a 71-year-old adventurer from Texas, landed in Pensacola Thursday night after becoming the fastest person to navigate through a roughly 6,000-mile boating route known as the Great Loop. And he did it all in his 16-foot Jon boat, the Ageless Wanderer. Youens' Garmin tracker last reported him entering Bayou Grande, a saline estuary that is part of Pensacola Bay, at approximately 9:36 p.m. on Thursday. Youens, exhausted, officially made the announcement that he broke the Great Loop record in a Facebook reel just before 9 p.m. 'Hey guys, it's Robert. I finished the loop,' Youens started. 'It was, uh, an amazing thing. It started with me and my wife, and Jack and Quinton. I left this pass, right here, heading to Fort Myers, not knowing any of this stuff was going to happen. And then one thing led to another, and all of a sudden – joy. Unbelievable joy as the crowd grew,' he said. 'I think we brought joy to the world when the world needed joy. So, guys, thank you so much for following along, and I've crossed my wake,' he concluded. Youens traveled more than 200 miles in the final 24-hour stretch before arriving in Pensacola. John Kucko, a former TV sports anchor who chronicled Youens' journey, posted to social media Thursday night when Youens was in the homestretch. Cruising at 33 mph, Youens started the final leg of his journey around 5:30 a.m. on Thursday morning, navigating along the Tombigbee River south of Columbus, Mississippi, according to Kucko's posts. Youens passed the final lock around 2:30 p.m., leaving about 170 miles left on his quest. He reached Mobile, Alabama, around 7:45 p.m. on Thursday, where rough waves ended any chance of Youens entering the Gulf, according to Kucko. In total, Youens managed to break the Great Loop record at 19 days, 13 hours and one minute. What is the Great Loop? The Great Loop is a roughly 6,000-mile continuous waterway that includes parts of the Atlantic, Gulf Intracoastal Waterways, the Great Lakes, Canadian Heritage Canals and inland rivers, according to the National Ocean Service. While there are a few ways to navigate the Great Loop, Loopers, the official name given to anyone who navigates the route, can take advantage of river currents that run into the Mississippi by starting in or near Chicago. Following the Mississippi down to the Gulf is a viable path, but not a common one due to barge traffic. Instead, most loopers elect to follow the Tennessee River, which leads to the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway and ultimately the Gulf. Robert Youens tracker While Youens' journey is over, you can trace his route here. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Robert Youens lands in Pensacola after breaking Great Loop record
Associated Press
10-06-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
"Get On Board" with Makin' Wake: A Great Loop Journey to Support Ronald McDonald House Charities
Makin' Wake launches a campaign to raise $100,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities with a Great Loop journey across 6,000 miles, supporting families in medical crises. United States, June 10, 2025 -- Makin' Wake, a unique initiative blending adventure and philanthropy, is calling on supporters to 'Get On Board' in raising $100,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). This June, the Makin' Wake team will embark on an epic journey to complete the Great Loop — a 6,000-mile waterway route spanning the Eastern United States — to bring attention and funds to RMHC's mission of keeping families close during medical crises. A Journey with Purpose 'The Great Loop is more than just a journey,' says Captain Darren Hayes. 'It's a metaphor for how connected we are and how far we can go when we come together. By joining forces, we can make a tremendous impact for families in need.' As Captain Hayes and the Makin' Wake team embark on this voyage, they aim to raise awareness for RMHC's essential services, which include housing, support, and community for families with critically ill children receiving medical care. By participating, donors will contribute to ensuring that families can remain close to their children during some of the most challenging times of their lives. How to 'Get On Board' Makin' Wake is inviting individuals, businesses, and organizations to participate in the campaign in several impactful ways: About the Great Loop The Great Loop is one of the world's most remarkable boating challenges, circling through waterways like the Mississippi River, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, and the Great Lakes. This 6,000-mile journey represents values of perseverance, collaboration, and the power of community — ideals that align perfectly with the mission of RMHC. It is a journey that symbolizes not just physical endurance but the emotional strength needed to overcome life's obstacles, especially when families face health crises. Join the Movement The countdown to June has begun, and Makin' Wake is ready to make waves. By joining the effort, supporters can contribute to a powerful cause, helping bring hope to families facing some of the most difficult challenges of their lives. Together, through this Great Loop adventure, the Makin' Wake team believes that we can raise the much-needed funds for RMHC — one mile and one dollar at a time. For more information, to donate, or to follow the journey, visit or follow Makin' Wake on social media. Get on board today and help us raise $100,000 for RMHC — because together, we can make a ripple that lasts a lifetime. About Makin' Wake Makin' Wake is a philanthropic initiative combining adventure and fundraising to support families in need. Founded by Captain Darren Hayes, Makin' Wake embarks on extraordinary journeys to raise awareness and funds for causes like Ronald McDonald House Charities. Through adventure, they aim to inspire communities to come together and make a difference. Media Contact: Darren Hayes Phone: 727-644-7657 Email: [email protected] Contact Info: Name: Darren Hayes Email: Send Email Organization: Makin' Wake Website: Release ID: 89161977 If you encounter any issues, discrepancies, or concerns regarding the content provided in this press release, or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we urge you to notify us without delay at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our expert team will be available to promptly respond within 8 hours – ensuring swift resolution of identified issues or offering guidance on removal procedures. Delivering accurate and reliable information is fundamental to our mission.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Yahoo
Man paddles 6,000-mile long ‘Great Loop' by canoe, passes through Grand Strand
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — One man is paddling the 6,000-mile 'Great Loop' trip entirely by canoe and is making his way south through the Grand Strand. Meet 23-year-old Peter Frank. He's spent the last seven months on the water coming from Michigan and still has about 10 months to go. 'I really don't have any moments where I think, like, I can't do it,' Frank said. 'Like this is, yeah, this is it.' Frank's words, passion for exploring and paddle are just a few of the things he holds close. He's on a mission to complete what's known as the 'Great Loop.' It's a marathon trip by water that most take by boat going counterclockwise, with the current. But he decided he wanted to try it the hard way and go the opposite direction. He says only two people have ever successfully done it before. 'And when you do it in that direction, everything is against you' he said 'There's nothing about it that is easier. So, I just really wanted to see if it's still possible.' When Frank was 14 years old, he was hit by a car severely injuring his back. Since he graduated high school, he's unicycled across the country, gone backpacking and is now trying his most challenging test yet. 'I'm learning a lot,' he said. 'This is my college, this is my education and my teacher. I learn everything that I need to by paddling this canoe, ironically. I think nature is one of the best teachers in the world.' Frank says he spent two years preparing for his trip. He says had to get creative to become completely self-sufficient on a 65-pound canoe. 285 pounds worth of equipment to be exact. Everything from food, water, tents, sleeping bags and the pirate-style clothes he makes on his own. 'I don't think I'm a good role model for minimalism,' he said. 'I carry quite a bit with me.' Frank says the best part is the many people he meets almost every day. And because he's so self-sufficient he doesn't have or want to rely on others. 'I didn't set that up because I don't like seeing other people,' he said. 'I set that up because I want my only reason to see other people to be for genuine interaction, to like actually learn from people. Not because I need anybody.' But Frank says many who are retired military offer their home and a place to sleep. Through that, he's encountered hundreds, maybe thousands and shared stories and different life experiences. He says there's one thing he hears the most often. 'I wish I would have done that when I was your age.' he said. At 23-years-old, Frank has lived a lifetime of much more than his age. So next time you're on the waterway, listen closely because you may find this young explorer passing by. 'When you live in a canoe, such things do not matter, like time and the day of the week, but rather the stroke of the paddle,' he said. 'These are the things that are very important.' Frank says even through all of his hardships, he wants you to know anything is possible. If you'd like to track Frank on his adventures, click . * * * Adrianna Lawrence is a multimedia journalist at News13. Adrianna is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and joined the News13 team in June 2023 after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2023. Keep up with Adrianna on Instagram, Facebook, and X, formerly Twitter. You can also read more of her work, here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
