Have a serious hatred for potato chip packets that are half-filled with air? Well, you’re in the same boat as local content creator Michael Collins.
Driven by his goal to prove “how ridiculous” the ratio of air to chips is in his favourite bags of chips, Michael devised a plan to build a ‘boat’ out of unopened packets, then sail 2km on it to Pulau Ubin jetty.
Michael was joined by his friend Yihui, who served as his cameraman and kayak paddling buddy during the experiment.
If you find this duo familiar, it’s because they’re the same guys who went viral last year when Michael ‘sunburned’ the Singapore flag on his chest, while Yihui dyed his buzz cut red and white for National Day.
But back to their latest crazy idea. After buying over S$60 worth of party pack chips at the supermarket, Michael and Yihui headed to Pasir Ris Park to build their boat.
There, they were met with strong waves. Yihui told Michael he’s “out of his mind”, with the latter also admitting he was “starting to lose faith”.
Still, Michael pressed on, and with Yihui’s help, used a large roll of cling wrap and tape to build his boat. The result? A rectangular raft that really could withstand his weight and float on water.
They rented Yihui’s kayak, and armed with two paddles, set out for the island.
Before embarking on his maiden journey, Michael said: “I’m quite nervous. The waves have calmed down a bit, but this (the boat) ended up being a lot smaller than I thought.”
He successfully got onto his creation, and the pair began their journey. “I can’t believe it boys, we are out here on potato chips,” said Michael excitedly.
He bounced ahead on the choppy waters, and the first thought that came to our minds? Thankfully he doesn’t suffer from motion sickness.
Michael eventually made it to the halfway mark, with Yihui kayaking by his side, but then the challenge proved quite impossible. He was stuck at the same spot, paddling for 10 minutes without making any progress.
That was when Yihui quipped: “Bro you always have this stupid tendency to think everything is possible.”
Water began seeping into the raft’s cling wrap, and Michael ultimately used up all his energy battling the strong waves.
They devised a new set up. Michael tied his paddle to a string attached to Yihui’s kayak, and it was the latter’s turn to lead the way, paddling and towing Michael and his boat behind him.
Then it began raining and Michael was left with no choice but to hop into the kayak, and paddle the rest of the way with his pal. Thankfully, the rain let up, and Michael was handed the opportunity to finish the final small stretch with his potato chips.
As he arrived on Pulau Ubin ground on his boat, Michael announced: “One small step for man, one giant step for mankind!”
His last shoutout? “Jack and Jill, stop putting air in your damn chips!” yelled an exhausted Michael.
The challenge was thoroughly entertaining, and we say the boys totally deserve an A+ for their efforts.
Netizens loved the video as well, with many praising the duo for their “great vibes”, creativity, and “crazy” idea.
“Now this is peak content, actually interesting and actually funny,” wrote one viewer, while another added: “Finally amazing YouTube content from SG.”
Many also dubbed Michael the “best local YouTuber”.
Looks like the unhinged idea really paid off.