Ocean expedition paddler Cyril Derreumaux departs December 19, 2024 to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Derreumaux will depart from La Restinga, The Canary Islands with the goal of reaching the easternmost Lesser Antilles archipelago on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean by kayak. The journey will total an estimated 3,000 miles and will be completely human-powered, solo, and unsupported.
Derreumaux’s departure date was initially set for Dec 17 but was delayed slightly for a better weather window.
Derreumaux’s previous journeys
In September 2022, Derreumaux completed his first solo ocean crossing, a 2,761 mile (4,444 kilometer) journey from California to Hawaii across the mid-Pacific in a total of 91 days and nine hours at sea. This journey, much like his upcoming crossing, was completely human-powered, solo, and unsupported.
Derreumaux first ventured into the world of outrigger canoeing and kayaking in his early 30s after a move to California to follow his profession in the wine business. In California, Derreumaux found the Great Pacific Race and joined a four-man team to row from California to Hawaii. The trip earned the team the Guinness Record for the fastest ocean team rowing crossing at 39 days and sparked Derreumaux’s interest in big solo crossings and endurance paddling.
What goes into crossing the ocean?
The first 19 days are the hardest, battling seasickness, sleep deprivation and adjusting to new foods and the pace of paddling according to Derreumaux.
While at sea, potable water is made using a water maker or desalinator and most of Derreumaux’s food is freeze-dried or dehydrated. En route, Derreumaux will burn close to 8,000 calories a day and ingest 6,000 calories daily, leading to an average daily deficit of 2,000 calories. This amounts to an expected weight loss of 20-25 lbs, weight that the paddler worked to gain in advance of his departure.
Throughout the course of his ocean crossings, Derreumaux typically wakes up before dawn for breakfast and begins his paddling at sunrise. From here, he paddles 4-5 hours before breaking for lunch, then paddles another 4-5 hours. Around sunset, Derreumaux prepares for the night. Throughout the night, he wakes up every two hours to check on the boat.
Derremaux’s kayak is a 23-ft (7 meter) boat with a fully sealable self-righting cabin. The kayak is human propulsion only, by both kayak paddle and a system to pedal by feet to alternate muscle groups used along the journey. Fully loaded, the boat will weigh 800 lbs.
In total, Derreumaux’s upcoming journey will span an estimated 3,000 miles / 4,800 kilometers / 2,800 nautical miles and an expected 80-90 days.
Follow Derreumaux’s progress here.
