ABOVE VIDEO:Wyatt Werneth’s paddleboarding records are the stuff of legends. In 2007, Brevard County had been identified as Forbes magazine’s most dangerous beach and Werneth was determined to do something about it.
WYATT WERNETH – 2014 INDUCTEE
Wyatt Werneth
• Guinness World Record Holder
• Mr. Space Coast Title Holder
• Public Safety Advocate
ULTIMATE ENDURANCE ATHLETE
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Wyatt Werneth’s paddleboarding records are the stuff of legends.
Wyatt Werneth’s paddleboarding records are the stuff of legends. In 2007, Brevard County had been identified as Forbes magazine’s most dangerous beach and Werneth was determined to do something about it. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)
In 2007, Brevard County had been identified as Forbes magazine’s most dangerous beach and Werneth was determined to do something about it.
“We had 10 drowning fatalities that year because Brevard County didn’t have adequate protection on the beach,” said Werneth. “Brevard had only part-time seasonal lifeguards at that time, and now has full-time lifeguard protection partly because of my quest to provide better protection to those who visit the beach. I paddled for therapy after pulling all those souls from the surf.”
To bring awareness to the problem, Werneth literally challenged the record books, and in an incredible feat of human endurance, became a Guinness World Record holder for prone paddleboarding. His journey took him a grueling 345 miles on his paddleboard, from Miami to Jacksonville, propelled only by his arms.
As a result of Werneth putting his own safety at risk in order to raise public awareness for beach safety – and the need for more lifeguards up and down the coast – numerous lifeguard towers have since been added, which have and will save many lives in years to come.
Wyatt Werneth’s career path is rich and diverse. In his life, Werneth has been a fisherman, U.S. Navy diver, dock master, salvager, firefighter, a U.S. Coast Guard petty officer, Ocean Rescue Chief for Brevard County Fire Rescue, event organizer, and a security specialist fighting terrorism around the world. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)
Professionally, his career path is rich and diverse. In his life, Werneth has been a fisherman, U.S. Navy diver, dock master, salvager, firefighter, a U.S. Coast Guard petty officer, Ocean Rescue Chief for Brevard County Fire Rescue, event organizer, and a security specialist fighting terrorism around the world.
That job has taken him all over the Middle East, to Afghanistan and to Columbia – and has not come without some tense moments.
“I have worked alongside the Navy, Marines and DOD/DOS departments,” he said.
“Getting blown out of my rack from indirect fire in Iraq was pretty scary,” Werneth said.
“It was resolved when I was able to get the hell out of there. You can’t predict where they will land, you see. The insurgents would launch old munitions and they traveled wildly through the air and no telling where they would land. They once shot over 40 at us one night. I say support our troops.”
When not flying off for clandestine missions in remote parts of the world, Werneth enjoys an association with local health and fitness experts.
Wyatt Werneth
“I consider myself in a ready state of fitness. I train daily and stay conditioned just in case, survival of the fit,” Werneth said.
“I do a variety of exercises that include strength and cardio. My fitness hangouts are Cocoa Beach Crossfit, Taylor Made Bodies in Cocoa Beach and Beachside Health Studio in Indialantic.”
‘NO FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN’
Werneth’s military background has seen him serving all over the Middle East and South America in the U.S. Navy and the Coast Guard.
Wyatt Werneth, above, is also an accomplished physique athlete, having won the Space Coast Bodybuilding Championships title. He says that Cocoa Beach’s Ted Taylor, a Mr. World winner, has been his fitness mentor. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)
As part of an elite group of tactical military experts, the super-fit, world record holder Werneth has provided integrated security and mission support globally in support of the U.S. government’s Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program.
When not flying off for missions in remote parts of the world, Werneth enjoys an association with local health and fitness experts. He is currently continuing his calling as a life-saver as he travels nationwide, promoting the integration of emergency life-saving equipment into public safety agencies for the public good.
Werneth is also an accomplished physique athlete, having won the Space Coast Bodybuilding Championships title. He says that Cocoa Beach’s Ted Taylor, a Mr. World winner, has been his fitness mentor.
“I like to think old school and recognize I studied as an apprentice to Ted in personal training,” said Werneth. “I also appreciate guys like Captain Cook and other great adventurers who took on the world with no fear of the unknown.”
THE 2018 SPACE COAST SPORTS HALL OF FAME Banquet and Induction Ceremony will take place at the Cocoa Beach Country Club on Friday, May 11 .
FOR INFORMATION & TICKETS to the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame Induction dinner call 321-615-8111 or e-mail Contact@SpaceCoastDaily.com
THE 2018 SPACE COAST SPORTS HALL OF FAME Banquet and Induction Ceremony will take place at the Cocoa Beach Country Club on Friday, May 11 .
