Cyril Derreumaux became just the second known person to complete a solo, unsupported crossing between California and Hawaii by kayak in September of 2022. Now, the 46-year-old adventurer seeks to follow up on the 2,400-mile achievement. On May 22, 2023, Derreumaux announced his intention to kayak across the Atlantic from the Canary Islands to Barbados—a voyage of 2,800 nautical miles.
“Following my 91-day expedition from California to Hawaii last year, I’m happy to announce my intentions to cross the Atlantic east to west in 2024, once again in a solo, unsupported and 100-percent human-powered Kayak,” Derreumaux shared in the announcement on social media.
“This will be another exploration and demonstration of the human potential, pushing against my physical and mental limits, and sharing my thoughts and learnings along the way.”
Cyril Derreumaux’s Plan To Kayak Across The Atlantic
Derreumaux plans to depart the Canary Islands in December of 2024 for Barbados. The French-born adventurer expects the expedition to take between 80 to 90 days. He will be using the same 23-foot kayak that safely carried him to Hawaii. The kayak features a fully sealable and self-righting survival pod used as a sleeping cabin.
In the recent social media post, Derreumaux goes on to say he will only be able to pull off the crossing with the help of partners and sponsors to assist in supporting the effort.
The solo Atlantic crossing has been completed by more paddlers than the journey from California to Hawaii. However, the attempt would put Derreumaux among an intrepid collection of expedition athletes, notably: the three successful crossings made by Aleksander Doba; the first standup paddleboard journey completed by Chris Bertish; and, most recently, the South Africa to Brazil voyage of Richard Kohler.
2024 is just around the corner when it comes to an expedition of this magnitude, and we look forward to following Derreumaux’s voyage as it develops. Learn more about Cyril Derreumaux’s upcoming expedition at: https://www.solokayaktheatlantic.com/.
Feature photo: Tom Gomes
