Long Island, N.Y., man skateboards 3,162 miles from coast to coast

Dec. 10 (UPI) -- A New York man took a 3,162-mile trip on his skateboard over the course of 57 days, 6 hours, 56 minutes to cross the United States and set a Guinness World Record in the process.

Chad Caruso, outfitted only with his board, a small backpack and a single set of clothes, started his skateboarding trip in Venice Beach, Calif., and completed his journey at the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in Virginia Beach.

The feat earned him the Guinness World Record for the fastest crossing of America on a skateboard (male).

"As I skated up to the finish line in Virginia Beach with hundreds of people cheering me on, police escorts, and local skaters pushing alongside me, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with emotion," Caruso told Guinness World Records.

"I kept thinking back to the teenage version of myself who dropped out of school to pursue skating and fought through all the voices telling him to quit over the years."

Caruso, who has been skating for 25 years, aimed to raise awareness of addiction and mental health problems. He said skateboarding helped him get sober nine years ago and he hopes his story will inspire others to do the same.

Caruso celebrated his arrival at the finish line by throwing his board into the ocean. Virginia Beach Mayor Robert M. Dyer then gave a speech declaring May 19 to be Chad Caruso Day.

"If you have a vision, believe in bringing it to life, and don't let the thoughts or opinions of others waver your resolve," Caruso said.