MAN WALKS CHANNEL

Hokitika Guardian, 10 October 1931, Page 6

MAN WALKS CHANNEL

CROSSING MADE ON SKIS. LESS THAN NINE HOURS. a_ To the many unusual way of crossing tin- Channel has to be added the feat of Karl Nanrnestnik, an Austrian, who walked across on water skis on August 29. Nanrnestnik, a schoolmaster, set out from Boulogne at 7.30 a. ! m., and reached Shakespeare Beach, Dover, at 4.20 p.m.. having made the journey in just under nine hours. His apparatus consisted of two skis, shaped like canoes, which he worked backwards and forwards with his feet. th<- skis in turn operating two paddle wheels. As lie stepped ashore, dressed only in a pair of black shorts and a thin vest, he (jointed to the skies, indicating that the hot sun had troubled him. He cannot sneak English, but liemanaged to explain that lie wanted water. Someone gave him tea.

Nanrnestnik had no passport but the Immigration authorities gave him permission to stay in Dover the night and he was also supplied with clothes.

For the first three hours after starting his advanture Nanrnestnik encounerod favourable conditions, hut later lie had to battle with a heavy swell, and two Boulogne men, anxious for his safety, chartered a boat in which to accompany him for the remainder of the journey. About a quarter to four lie was off the Shakespeare cliff, about four miles away.

Apparently owing to the heavy sens lie was then sitting on the two skis, paddling hard, and at times was lost to view, the sens sweeping the small boat which was with him. Although those on shore thought that the heavy seas would beat hikn, he mastered the current and got to the west of Admiralty Pier. When in smooth water he stood up and paddled ashore. Two other Austrians who tried to cross the Channel with Naumestnik on August 14 are still waiting at Boulogne for better weather conditions. The following methods of crossing the Channel - are now on record

Balloon, 1785; swimming, 1875; aeroplane, 1909; waterplnne, 1927; motor boat, 1929; motor cycle, 1929; punt, 1930; glider, 1931; rubber canoe. 1931. A diver who lias suggested walking across the channel on the sea bottom may be the next addition to the list.