Attempt to Kayak from San Francisco
to Hawaii Aborted in Rough Weather
Cyril Derreumaux encounters a whale early in his trip. Photo by Tom Gomes.
A young French-born American Cyril Derreumaux called off his attempt to paddle the Pacific Ocean from San Francisco to Hawaii after battling high winds and seas and losing his sea anchor. He was 70 miles from shore when he called the Coast Guard for rescue after consulting with his crew, before conditions deteriorated further.
Winds reached 30-35 knots with gusts to 45 and troughs of 4.5 meters, and waves breaking on the kayak's cabin made "an impressive noise," he said. In addition, his ground crew lost the GPS signal. The rescue team hoisted him out of his kayak, and he is now back safely on land working with his support crew to try to recover the adrift kayak and research future preventative strategies. He had hoped to reach Hawaii in 70 days. His morale is good, he reports.
Derremeaux has extensive experience in long-distance ocean paddling. This effort was the culmination of three years of planning and preparation.
In 1987, Ed Gillet successfully kayaked from Montery, Calif., to Maui, Hi., in 64 days using a 20-foot tandem sea kayak.
NOAA Predicts Another Active Atlantic Hurricane Season
Highlights from NOAA's 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook. A close-captioned version of this video can be viewed on the National Weather Service YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/cU0ljJ4v-XA.
NOAA's Climate Prediction Center is predicting another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters predict a 60 percent chance of an above-normal season, a 30 percent chance of a near-normal season, and a ten percent chance of a below-normal season. However, experts do not anticipate the historic level of storm activity seen in 2020.
For 2021, a likely range of 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which six to ten could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including three to five major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher) is expected. NOAA provides these ranges with a 70 percent confidence. The Atlantic hurricane season extends from June 1 through November 30.
"Now is the time for communities along the coastline as well as inland to get prepared for the dangers that hurricanes can bring," said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "The experts at NOAA are poised to deliver life-saving early warnings and forecasts to communities, which will also help minimize the economic impacts of storms."
Last month, NOAA updated the statistics used to determine when hurricane seasons are above-, near-, or below-average relative to the latest climate record. Based on this update an average hurricane season produces 14 named storms, of which seven become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.
El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions are currently in the neutral phase, with the possibility of the return of La Nina later in the hurricane season. "ENSO-neutral and La Nina support the conditions associated with the ongoing high-activity era," said Matthew Rosencrans, lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA's Climate Prediction Center. "Predicted warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds, and an enhanced west African monsoon will likely be factors in this year's overall activity." Scientists at NOAA also continue to study how climate change is impacting the strength and frequency of tropical cyclones.
"Although NOAA scientists don't expect this season to be as busy as last year, it only takes one storm to devastate a community," said Ben Friedman, acting NOAA administrator. "The forecasters at the National Hurricane Center are well-prepared with significant upgrades to our computer models, emerging observation techniques, and the expertise to deliver the life-saving forecasts that we all depend on during this, and every, hurricane season."
In an effort to continuously enhance hurricane forecasting, NOAA made several updates to products and services that will improve hurricane forecasting during the 2021 season:
► In March, NOAA upgraded the flagship Global Forecast System (GFS) to improve hurricane genesis forecasting and coupled GFS with a wave model extending ocean wave forecasts from 10 days out to 16 days. Additionally, Global Positioning Satellite Radio Occultation (GPS-RO) data are now included in the GFS model, providing an additional source of observations to strengthen overall model performance.
► Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center are now using an upgraded probabilistic storm surge model — known as P-Surge — which includes improved tropical cyclone wind structure and storm size information that offers better predictability and accuracy. This upgrade extends the lead time of P-Surge forecast guidance from 48 to 60 hours in situations where there is high confidence.
► NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory will deploy its largest array of air and water uncrewed systems to gather data designed to help improve hurricane intensity forecasts and forecast models. New drones will be launched from NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft that will fly into the lower part of hurricanes, and in the ocean, saildrones, hurricane gliders, global drifters, and air-deployable technology — called ALAMO floats — will track various parts of the life cycle of tropical storms.
Last year's record-breaking season serves as a reminder to all residents in coastal regions or areas prone to inland flooding from rainfall to be prepared for the 2021 hurricane season.
"With hurricane season starting on June 1, now is the time to get ready and advance disaster resilience in our communities," said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. "Visit Ready.gov and Listo.gov to learn and take the steps to prepare yourself and others in your household. Download the FEMA app to sign-up for a variety of alerts and to access preparedness information. Purchase flood insurance to protect your greatest asset, your home. And, please encourage your neighbors, friends and coworkers to also get ready for the upcoming season."
NOAA also issued seasonal hurricane outlooks for the Eastern and Central Pacific basins, and will provide an update to the Atlantic outlook in early August, just prior to the peak of the season.
Visit FEMA's Ready.gov to be prepared for the start of hurricane season and the National Hurricane Center's website throughout the season to stay current on watches and warnings.
The 2021 Atlantic tropical cyclone names as selected by the World Meteorological Organization. (NOAA)
2021-22 PADDLE FLORIDA SEASON
Suwannee River Wilderness Trail
October 15-20, 2021
Celebrate Florida's version of autumn on its most famous river.The trip spans 65 miles of the scenic Suwannee and a portion of the (northern) Withlacoochee, from Madison Blue Spring to Branford. This section features dozens of clear blue springs perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Register by: October 1, 2021
Treasure Coast Paddling Adventure (NEW)
November 3-9, 2021
Come explore the Treasure Coast; named for the profusion of shipwrecks and treasure hunters who have been searching for gold, silver and other valuable and historic bounty. The trip starts in St. Lucie County at Ft. Pierce Inlet State Park and follows a route to the north through Indian River County, finishing in Sebastian. Trippers spend two nights at state parks, two nights at Indian River County Parks and two nights at the Environmental Learning Center. This will be an excellent example of what PF tries to achieve on every trip: Place-based learning in the Great Outdoors.
Register by: October 22, 2021
Black Creek Paddling Festival
December 10-12, 2021
The second Black Creek Paddling Festival will take place at Camp Chowenwaw Park in Green Cove Springs. Join PF as it explores the scenic waters of Black Creek and Peter's Creek in eight- and ten-mile segments on Saturday and Sunday. One of Paddle Florida's favorite entertainers will perform a benefit concert Saturday. Proceeds will support continuing PF's programs at Paddle Florida. The weekend will also feature hiking through nearby trails, and an opportunity to hear from local experts dedicated to preserving North Florida's rivers, springs and water-sheds. Price includes camping for the weekend; the Treehouse and Squirrel Run Cabins have been made available to paddlers (at their own cost) for the event.
Register by: November 26, 2021
Ten Thousand Islands Experience (NEW)
January 17-22, 2022
Southwest Florida's answer to paradise features five days of exploring the magic kingdom of the Ten Thousand Islands. Basecamp for this experience is Collier-Seminole State Park, one of the best state parks in the region. It is within driving distance of all the paddling tours PF will undertake. This is a first time event in the January time slot. PF hopes to make the Ten Thousand Islands Experience an annual event in this paddlers' paradise.
Register by: January 3, 2022
Wild, Wonderful Withlacoochee
February 15-20, 2022
Beginning at Lake Panasoffkee, paddlers will thread their way through hardwood swamps and tannic streams on a 60-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. The adventure includes a side trip to the colorful Rainbow River and its world class first magnitude spring.
Register by: February 1, 2022
Springtime on the Chipola
March 18-24, 2022
This will be PF's fourth different trip in Florida's panhandle, joining the Ochlockonee, the Choctawhatchee, and the Perdido. Given the right conditions, this river will be suitable for all paddlers and paddlecraft. Florida Caverns State Park is the starting point for staging this event next March, when spring will be blooming in the panhandle. This is going to be a great experience!
Register by: March 4, 2022
Suwannee River Paddling Festival
April 1-3, 2022
With camping atop the bluff overlooking two beautiful rivers, PF's season-capping festival takes place at Suwannee River State Park near Live Oak. The weekend will offer supported eight- to 12-mile paddling options on both the Suwannee and Withlacoochee Rivers, a concert featuring Paddle Florida's favorite musicians, and educational presentations from regional waterway experts.
Register by: March 18, 2022
ANNUAL AGAINST THE TIDE FUNDRAISER FOR BREAST CANCER
Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) is hosting its annual statewide Against the Tide athletic fundraising events as both virtual and in-person events this summer.
MBCC will hold two virtual events each with a seven-day participation window: June 20-26 and Aug. 8-14. The in-person event is Aug. 14 at Nickerson State Park in Brewster. Components include one-mile recreational or competitive swims, ½-mile recreational swim, 5K or 10K runs, three-mile walk, ½-mile stand-up paddleboard, and two-mile kayak.
Registration for both the virtual and in-person options is $40 for an individual participant, and $100 for a family (up to five family members).
"We hope will give even more people a chance to be a part of the Against the Tide events to swim, walk, run, paddle, or kayak in support of breast cancer prevention," explains Cheryl Osimo, MBCC's Executive Director
MBCC is the state's leading breast cancer organization dedicated to preventing the environmental causes of breast cancer through community education, research advocacy, and changes to public policy. For more information, www.mbcc.org/swim or call 1-800-649-MBCC (6222).
NFCT AND NRS FILM FESTIVAL ONLINE THIS YEAR
Here's a trailer for the stunning "Iceolation" https://youtu.be/WLJtRKCKPnE
The Paddling Festival is on. Virtually. Enjoy quiet and gnarly waters, enchanting sea critters, and the rhythm of a paddle blade from your own couch, drone shots included. Now in its 16th year, the festival shows the best paddling films of the year, sponsored by The Northern Forest Canoe Trail and NRS. Judges have divided films into three virtual programs available for rent on-demand now on sale for $15 each — Adrenaline, Adventure, and Culture. The program includes 18 films. Hosts such as shops, clubs, and events donate proceeds from ticket sales and fundraisers to local causes. So far the festival has awarded $81,500 in cash prizes to filmmakers, helping to both inspire and motivate the talent.
A classic Blackburn Challenge start from the ACK files. Nick Schade, 2004.
Well it's back. But different. Which many of us are used to in this emergence from the pandemic. The date this year for the Blackburn Challenge, the popular 22-mile
race around Cape Ann, Mass., is Aug. 7, not mid-July. No formal race, no captain's meeting. You check in at the Gloucester High School Tennis court area before
starting. Organizers will stagger those taking off between 7:00-8:30, no race categories, first in, first out. You can also organize your own group if you wish. You
must check out at the finish line, so the Coast Guard doesn't have to come looking for you.
Organizers will take note of your check-in and check-out time but no formal results will be posted. No awards ceremony, no post-race party, no posting of
results, and maybe a T-shirt and some other swag. If funding comes in, it may become a timed event. Open to only 200 competitors, no first timers, $60.
If you pull out of the race, you need to call 978-764-9407 so the Coast Guard does not come looking for you.
Also note Essex River Race, Mass., is back and will take place Oct. 2, 2021 instead of its usual May date.
Working with the iNaturalist app and database, Esri (a geographic information system company), and National Geographic, the public can make globally relevant discoveries with exploration around their hometown or across the country, just by identifying species nearby and pushing their range limits. iNaturalist (https://www.inaturalist.org/) is a joint project between the California Academy of Sciences and National Geographic. An online leaderboard encourages engagement.
"The edges of species ranges are key indicators of biodiversity's response to climate change. Get involved and set a global record yourself," says Brian Buma who started the projected.
HOFFMEISTER BACK AGAIN ON CIRCUMNAV OF NORTH AMERICA
German athlete and business owner Freya Hoffmeister has her paddle back in hand, after being sidelined by COVID restrictions last year. She will continue her mind-boggling journey of her circumnavigation of North America, a 30,000-mile trip she hopes to complete in a decade. So far this year, she has paddled the Sea of Cortez and most of Mexico's Pacific Coast. Hoffmeister is no stranger to epic continental feats. She has already circumnavigated Australia and South America (completed 2015). "Never Stop Starting," is her motto for this new trip. For more info, visit her website.
Coast Guard, FWC Vessels Search For Missing Kayaker Near St. Andrews Pass, Fla.
PANAMA CITY, Fla. — April 14, 2021
The station has received a report of an overdue kayaker last seen approximately 300 yards off St Andrews Pass west jetty and struggling to get back to shore. The person onboard is a 60 year old white male with dark complexion, wearing a yellow life jacket with a turquoise green kayak.
The station has launched a 29-foot Response Boat along with shore units. Our Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)( partners have also launched a boat along with shore personnel.
Mariners are advised to keep a sharp lookout, assist if possible, and report all sightings to the US Coast Guard.
Update: The missing kayaker was located by a FWC vessel approximately five nm offshore. The man was transported to St Andrews State Park and checked out by Coast Guard personnel for any medical concerns. Other than cold, wet, and extremely relieved, the gentlemen was returned to his family and friends safe and sound.
The yellow life jacket the gentleman was wearing ultimately saved his life even though he fortunately never needed it for floatation. With nighttime falling and impending weather, search conditions were not favorable. At the last few minutes of light he was miraculously spotted. This case is a stark reminder how things can change on the water in an instant. Having the necessary safety gear and emergency signaling or locating devices could ultimately be the difference in saving your life.
Thanks to the great partnership between FWC and US Coast Guard this story had a happy ending. BZ to the search crews!
Coast Guard Rescues Person From the Water Near Key Largo
KEY WEST, Fla. — 04/20/2021
The Coast Guard rescued one person from the water near Key Largo after his kayak capsized Tuesday.
Rescued was: Chris Hogan, 34.
Sector Key West Command Center watchstanders received a phone call stating a kayaker in the vicinity of Key Largo was in distress after his kayak capsized.
The watchstanders directed the launch of a Coast Guard Station Islamorada 33-foot boat crew and a Coast Guard Air Station Miami MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew to assist the kayaker. Once on scene, the Dolphin aircrew hoisted Hogan and safely transferred him to shore with no health concerns reported.
"Thankfully, Hogan was able to make a call out for help," said Chief Warrant Officer Scott Goss, commanding officer of Coast Guard Station Islamorada. "Not only should emergency communication devices be equipped on your paddle craft or vessels, but the Coast Guard highly recommends that your paddle craft have a vessel identification sticker filled out as well. This will allow us to assist you in times of emergencies."
The Coast Guard reminds boaters and kayakers of the importance of carrying life-saving emergency distress equipment. While many boaters rely on cell phones for emergency communications on the water, personal locator beacons are much more reliable in the marine environment. The Coast Guard highly recommends all mariners equip their boats with Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons and/or their life jackets with Personal Locator Beacons.
Coast Guard, Partners Searching for Missing Paddler off Island of Hawaii
HONOLULU — 06/05/2021
The Coast Guard and Hawaii County Fire Department are searching for a missing paddler after his canoe was found adrift 1 mile off Honaunau Beach, Saturday.
The 66-year-old paddler is described as being five feet, eight inches tall, weighing 155 pounds and was last seen wearing a white long sleeve rash guard and black board shorts. Waterway users in the area are asked to keep a sharp lookout for signs of distress and anyone with information is requested to contact the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu command center at 808-842-2600.
At 10:35 a.m., Sector Honolulu watchstanders received a report from the Hawaii County Fire Department stating a good Samaritan found a canoe adrift off shore.
It was discovered to belong to the paddler who regularly takes his canoe out nearby. His car was found at the beach with his phone inside.
Watchstanders issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast notice to mariners, launched Air Station Barbers Point HC-130 Hercules and MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrews and diverted the Coast Guard Cutter William Hart (WPC 1134) to conduct searches of the area.
Hawaii County Fire Department also deployed ground crews, a helicopter crew, and a boat crew in response.
Good Samaritans aboard recreational vessels are also assisting with the search.
The weather on scene is seas less than one foot with light and variable winds.
UPDATE: Coast Guard Suspended the Active Search for Michael Kitagawachi off Honaunau Beach
HONOLULU — 06/07/2021
Kitagawachi, 66-years-old, remains missing.
"Since Saturday our crews have worked closely with the Hawaii County Fire Department covering over 749 square nautical miles during 59 search hours," said Darin McCracken, a search and rescue planner with Sector Honolulu. "During that time there has been no sign of Mr. Kitagawachi. While it is a difficult decision to make, we suspended the search after sunset today pending new information."
The search had been ongoing since Saturday when Kitagawachi's canoe was found adrift 1-mile off Honaunau Beach where he regularly paddles. His vehicle was found at the beach with his phone inside.
Involved in the Search:
► Air Station Barbers Point MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crews
► An Air Station Barbers Point HC-130 Hercules aircrew
► The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter William Hart (WPC 1134)
► A Navy Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 37 (HSM-37) MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter aircrew
► A Hawaii County Fire Department air and ground crews
► A Hawaii County Fire Department boat crew
► Good Samaritans aboard private vessels
At 10:35 a.m., Saturday, Sector Honolulu watchstanders received a report from the Hawaii County Fire Department stating a good Samaritan found a canoe adrift off shore.
It was discovered the canoe belonged to Kitagawachi and his car was found at the beach.
Watchstanders issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast notice to mariners, launched the Air Station Barbers Point HC-130 Hercules and MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrews and diverted the Coast Guard Cutter William Hart (WPC 1134) to conduct searches of the area.
Hawaii County Fire Department also deployed ground crews, a helicopter crew, and a boat crew in response.
A Navy Sea Hawk aircrew also joined in the search while good Samaritans aboard recreational vessels assisted over the following days.
Coast Guard Rescues Kayaker 70 miles West of Santa Cruz
— USCGPacificSouthwest (@USCGPacificSW) June 7, 2021
SAN FRANCISCO — 06/05/2021
The Coast Guard rescued a kayaker approximately 70 miles west of Santa Cruz, Sunday morning.
Coast Guard Sector San Francisco watchstanders received a report at 9:42 p.m. Saturday from Cyril Derreumaux who was making a solo voyage from Sausalito to Honolulu.
Derreumaux lost GPS capability, had nearly capsized due to heavy weather, had lost his sea anchor, and had the anchor's lines wrapped around his rudder. After consulting with his land crew, Derreumaux contacted the Coast Guard for rescue.
Watchstanders directed the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew at 10:25 p.m. The aircrew arrived on scene at 12:39 a.m., hoisted the kayaker into the helicopter and returned to Air Station San Francisco.
"Recognizing that the situation was beyond his capabilities and calling for assistance allowed our crews to reach him in time for a successful rescue," said Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Kroll, a Coast Guard spokesperson. "This shows that even experienced mariners with proper safety equipment can get into trouble on the ocean, which is why having the right equipment and knowing when and how to use it is so important."
Derreumaux was reported to be in good condition with no medical concerns. After three years of planning for the voyage, Derreumaux is not giving up. He plans to recover his kayak, which has a tracking device, and try again after further preparation.
Coast Guard Rescues Kayaker on Lake Pontchartrain Near Irish Bayou
A Coast Guard Station New Orleans 29-foot Rescue Boat-Small approaches a capsized kayak in Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana, June 9. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Trevor Dyer)
NEW ORLEANS — 06/09/2021 The Coast Guard rescued a capsized kayaker ear Lake Pontchartrain.
A resident of New Orleans was safely rescued while wearing a life jacket and had no reported injuries.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a report around 1400 hrs from a train operator who was traveling on a railway adjacent to Irish Bayou. The operator reported that he saw a blue capsized kayak and a person in the water who appeared to be in distress.
A Coast Guard Station New Orleans 29-foot Response Boat-Small boatcrew and a Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans MH-65 Dolphin Helicopter aircrew deployed in response. The boat crew arrived on scene and safely rescued the man from the water.
He was then safely transferred to shore.
The Coast Guard recommends staying close to your kayak or vessel in case of capsize to increase your visibility to responders.
Coast Guard Urges Preparedness for 2021 Hurricane Season
The Coast Guard reminds all boaters to prepare for the 2021 hurricane season.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the peak occurring between mid-August and late October.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center is predicting another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters predict a 60 percent chance of an above-normal season, a 30 percent chance of a near-normal season, and a 10 percent chance of a below-normal season.
All boaters should make sure they are ready for the hurricane season and prepare for the worst case scenario.
"It is essential for the safety of you and your family to prepare for a hurricane well before it arrives," said Capt. Harper Phillips, Chief of Incident Management for District Eight. "Being prepared is key during hurricane season. We highly recommend all boaters prepare a hurricane plan for their vessels now. It's also paramount to pay close attention to the weather both ashore and out at sea and heed the messages, warnings, and orders of local authorities."
The Coast Guard recommends the following preparedness tips for this hurricane season:
►Prepare a kit: Ensure you and your family have a disaster kit ready to go in case of an emergency. For more information on items to include in a kit visit Ready.gov preparedness tips.
►Get to know your surroundings: Know the elevation of your house and property. Hurricanes often bring storm surge, which is considered the greatest threat to property and life during any tropical storm. Know your communities' evacuation routes and how you would evacuate to higher ground. For more information on potential storm surge areas visit NOAA's storm surge site.
►Check the weather: The Coast Guard mobile app for boating safety is a tool to check marine weather from your phone. With the mobile app, you can check the weather at nearby NOAA buoys, which provide wind speed and direction along with wave height. Checking weather any time you plan to get underway and throughout your time on the water is highly recommended.
►Secure your boats: Review your hurricane plan with your local marina, ensure you have a plan to both bring your boat in and strap it down ashore or ensure it is properly equipped to ride out the storm at the marina.
►Listen to local officials: When it comes to hurricane response and preparedness, the most important link in the chain is you: prepare your boat for the season, have a hurricane mooring plan and monitor channel 16 on your VHF radio when on the water. Prior to planning a voyage, keep an eye on the weather, port conditions and other hurricane warnings.
