Bathtub paddlers Rob Knott, Ric Canham and Neil Sutor.

AFTER the efforts of Bolt, Ennis and Phelps at the Olympics, another sporting record has been smashed – the longest distance paddling in a bathtub.

Rob Knott, aged 40, from Portishead, and Ric Canham, aged 56, from Axbridge, travelled 17 miles down the river Avon – which they say is three times the current world record – to raise money for charity.

The pair battled torrential rain and headwinds to raise cash for Alzheimer’s Society and the Portishead and Bristol Lifeboat Trust.

Ric managed 11 miles of the journey, which in itself more than doubled the previous record of five miles, before Rob went on to complete the journey with Neil Sutor taking over Ric’s tub. Rob said: “I compete at a fairly high level in canoeing, but this is much harder because of the basic instability of the bathtub, and its resistance against the water.

“Basically, it’s like paddling a brick that’s constantly trying to capsize.

“We’ve been in touch with the Guinness Book of Records, and we’ve got our fingers crossed as to whether they will recognise it.

“But if it means doing it again to prove it can be done – well, maybe next year.”

Their efforts have raised about £3,500 so far, with money donated by Alvis Brothers, Thatcher’s Cider and Butcombe Brewery.

To donate, go to www.facebook.com/BathAid