Larkspur man completes 91-day solo kayak voyage to Hawaii
After 91-plus days alone on the Pacific Ocean, Larkspur’s Cyril Derreumaux completed his solo kayak adventure from Monterey to Hawaii, arriving at Hilo Bay on Tuesday.
The accomplishment — using a 100% human-powered kayak to complete the journey solo and unsupported — was the first of its kind.
“It was a magnificent adventure, clearly also a spiritual journey,” Derreumaux said in a press release. “Before leaving I couldn’t really explain why I wanted to take on this challenge, but I finally found all the answers to my questions on the water. I loved sharing my trip with all those who followed me on the map or the social networks.
“I encountered all possible weather conditions during these 3 months. Very rough seas in which I had to stay locked inside my cabin, without even being able to sleep, it was so moving, but also an ocean that can be so calm that it transforms you deeply so much it fills you with tranquility. I experienced moments of pure magic when all the elements came together: calm of the sea, calm of the currents, calm of the winds, and the visit in the middle of nowhere of a bird. It was so simple and so beautiful.”
Derreumaux’s arrival at Hilo Bay capped what was essentially a four-year journey starting from the moment he initially began preparing for this voyage. The COVID pandemic delayed his initial attempt in 2020. Derreumaux embarked on an initial attempt in June 2021, only to see it get interrupted after just six days by bad weather and a damaged sea anchor. Derreumaux had to be rescued by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter.
All told, the 2,400-nautical-mile journey took 91 days and 9 hours. Derreumaux departed from Monterey on June 21 and arrived in Hawaii on Sept. 20. Derreumaux made the journey on “Estelle”, his 23-foot-long kayak.
In order to survive the three-month journey on the open seas, Derreumaux had to put on weight before he started. He ate 6,000 calories a day but used up 8,000 calories while rowing for an average of 9 to 9.5 hours per day.
The journey took 24 more days than Derreumaux expected, forcing him to ration his food during the latter stages. Derreumaux also had to change his target destination from Honolulu to Hilo.
Derreumaux, 46, was born in Lille, France, and has lived in Marin for the past 14 years. Derreumaux is working on a documentary about his adventure and hopes to write a book. More information about his journey can be found on his website, www.solokayaktohawaii.com.