Kayaker to Cross Tasman Sea Solo
All other attempts have all failed
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New Zealand kayaker Scott Donaldson departed Coffs Harbour on Thursday hoping to become the first to kayak solo from Australia to New Zealand. The 42-year-old plans to paddle over 1200 miles in about 70 days, hoping to complete a route that has witnessed many unsuccessful attempts.
The most well-known previous expedition was made in 2007 by Australian Andrew McAuley, who went missing a month into the trip. Rescuers were only able to recover his partly flooded kayak; his body was never found. (His voyage is the subject of the documentary, Solo: Lost at Sea.)
Donaldson’s departure was delayed till Thursday, citing phone issues. After his first night on the Tasman Sea, he reported losing some ground to wind. He was able to pick up speed in Friday’s more favorable conditions. You can keep track of his progress on his website.