Kayaker sets record for circumnavigating Newfoundland

A Florida adventurer glided into a small harbour in St. John's Tuesday night, and into the record books.

Kayaker Greg Stamer circumnavigated the island of Newfoundland in just 45 days, easily besting the previous sea-kayaking record of 66 days.

"It was a great trip," said Stamer, describing the scenery he encountered on his journey, which ended at Quidi Vidi, a small harbour inside the St. John's city limits.

"I think you guys probably have the best area for paddling that I've ever seen. Sea caves and all that," Stamer said.

Stamer said he had to deal in his final days with high temperatures that he said were similar to Florida.

"The only frightening thing was on the south coast," said Stamer, who said he heard a gurgling sound behind him.

"It was a great big dorsal fin, and it's not going up and down it was a shark [and] he was going straight," Stamer told CBC News.

"I spun the boat around real quick and got my paddle ready to give it a stab and off it went. So, I was glad it disappeared."

Stamer has travelled around the world in his kayak. He said he is not sure what he will tackle next.