By David Trifunov Y


ou might say Mark Jennings-Bates was feeling constrained here on Earth.


The 48-year-old Kelowna realtor was anxious for an adventure to create awareness about his favourite cause, Rally4Life, as he prepares to become the first Canadian to complete the gruelling Dakar Rally on four wheels next year. So, to generate momentum and prepare both physically and mentally, he’s teamed with Vernon’s Glenn Derouin in an attempt to enter the Guinness Book of World Records.


In Australia this February, the duo will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for longest continuous flight by a powered paraglider. They made their official announcement on September 27 at Kelowna International Airport.


“Yes, it’s a great adventure, and yes it’s a potential Guinness World Record if we’re successful,” Jennings- Bates says. “But, really, if we did that and didn’t do anything else, I’d personally find it a little shallow. … I’d like to do something that gives back to the world, or adds some value to the world.”


The current record is held by another Canadian, Ben Jordan, who flew 8,008 km from Tofino, B.C., to Nova Scotia’s Bay of St. Lawrence in 2009.


The concept was born about 2 1/2 years ago, Jennings- Bates says, but it really gained traction recently.


Mark Jennings-Bates


14 | YLW.KELOWNA.CA


Bambi L. Dingman | Dreamstime.com


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