SHARKS, storms and salt rash are just some of the perils overcome by an intrepid kayaker who is paddling furiously to be back with his Petersfield family.

Will McCreadie (21) and his university friend George Parry are well on their way to breaking three records – the youngest, fastest and first British team to conquer a dangerous route across the Caribbean Sea.

The pair have spent three months sea kayaking from Grenada to Miami on the gruelling Golden Arc Expedition and are now on the home straight of their epic 2,000 mile journey before flying home.

Will, of Compton, and George (22), of Fulham, students at Durham University, have faced many challenges including heat exhaustion, dangerous swells and blisters. Their most frightening episode was a lightning storm at night between Puerto Rica and the Dominican Republic.

“When there’s lightning at sea, there’s nowhere to hide and you are the highest object for miles around,” said Will’s proud father David, who works at Biscoes Solicitors in Petersfield.

He and Will’s mother Laura and siblings Georgina and Michael preferred not to think too much about the warning of the risk of shark attacks.

The route has been attempted on only two other occasions: in 1977 by John Dowd and team, and in 2014 by the Henry Brothers.

Will and George are on track to finish in under half the time it took John Dowd.

They have undertaken the challenge to raise money for their Get Exploring Trust. This aims to enable young people, focusing on those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to have challenging and inspiring experiences.

Visit www.getexploringtrust.com for more information and to track their trek.