In an extraordinary event, Tom Pearcy from York turned a massive 1,364 lb pumpkin into a makeshift boat.
Paddling it along the River Ouse for 500 meters, Pearcy’s whimsical adventure caught the attention of onlookers and even sought Guinness World Record recognition.
This creative twist stemmed from an annual competition at York Maze, where the largest pumpkin is used for fun challenges.
With a crane to lift the giant gourd and a rescue boat on standby, Pearcy’s journey was as thrilling as it was innovative.
From Harvest to Watercraft: A Pumpkin’s Journey
The idea of using a pumpkin as a boat wasn’t spontaneous. Pearcy, an avid canoeist, decided to carve out the year’s largest pumpkin for his journey across the river.
With a chainsaw and a bit of nerve, he hollowed it out and tested it in water, successfully navigating 500 meters despite nearly tipping over multiple times.
Crowds lined the banks of the river, cheering as Pearcy’s pumpkin-turned-canoe bobbed past.
A Fun Tradition with World Record Ambitions
This isn’t the first time York Maze has gone beyond the ordinary with its oversized pumpkins.
Last year, they set a record for carving the world’s largest jack-o’-lantern.
This year’s pumpkin boat adventure continues the trend, with Pearcy and his team already reaching out to Guinness World Records to confirm their place in history.
