In 1958, Ray set a new world’s record in water skiing. He skied 1,000 miles on the Columbia River in 33 hours and 27 minutes non-stop. His method of covering this great distance over a small section of the river was to go round and round over an oval-shaped course 12 1/2 miles long. He made the entire trip on one ski.
The old record of 715 miles was set by John Musser of St. Joseph, MO in September 1957. De Fir was informed at the 725 mile mark that he had set a new world mark, but he decided to go on for the 1000 mile record without stopping. He had decided to make the record try after taking a water ski trip to Astoria and back in July. He reportedly felt so fresh after that jaunt that plans were made to assault Musser’s record.
His total intake of nourishment while on the water consisted of two quarts of soup, three
sandwiches, three pieces of chicken [two dropped in the water], one orange, one quart of
chocolate milk, and 12 stubbies of beer.
The last 250 miles were the roughest, and Ray found that both fatigue and monotony
were riding with him on the ski. Around his neck a small portable radio carried music
from station KVAN of Vancouver, WA. The disc jockey provided appropriate jive in
cooperation with the event to help break the wearisome grind which was rapidly showing
its effect on the lone skier. Twice in the last 200 miles in spite of the lively music, Ray
fell asleep on his feet. To combat this irresistible urge to doze off, he beckoned for the
other boats milling around in the water to swing in close so that he could talk to them.
The heel of his right foot was painfully tender from the constant trip hammer action of the
ski on the water. This forced him to place all of his weight on the left leg for practically
the reminder of the 200 miles.
