French born, now American citizen, Cyril Derreumaux considers himself a citizen of the world. Fluent speaker of 6 languages (and counting!) Cyril is attracted to learning and discovering new cultures and places all the time.
This natural curiosity of people and places led Cyril to backpack around the world at 25 for one year. With $7000 and a can- do attitude Cyril embarked on this life changing experience that permanently changed his outlook on life and how he wanted to live it.
A move to California following his profession in the wine business led Cyril to begin exploring the world of outrigger canoeing and kayaking and reignited a childhood passion for windsurfing and all things water related. He soon began pushing his limits further and further in ultra endurance water events. A serendipitous find of the Great Pacific Race which advertised “you don’t need to be a rower to row an ocean” led Cyril to embark on his biggest challenge at the time, rowing in a team of 4 men from California to Hawaii which resulted in in a Guinness Record for the fastest ocean rowing crossing of a team in 39 days and again changing Cyril’s perspective on what was possible.
Always a dreamer, Cyril soon found himself thinking about his next expedition. Inspired by the stories of maverick ocean explorers, Cyril began to plan his biggest expedition to date, crossing the mid pacific on a kayak with solely human power from California to Hawaii.
Despite delays and a failed attempt, Cyril accomplished this goal in September 2022 reaching Hawaii to become the first 100% human powered kayaker to accomplish such a feat.
As a member of the famed Explorers Club Cyril continues to dream big, thinking of his next big adventure and encouraging others to the do the same. Advocating to “live life to the fullest,” Cyril hopes his adventures inspire others to find their own dream and go after it.
Cyril is currently working on a book and a documentary chronicling his kayak crossing, considering his next adventure and inspiring audiences through his work as a motivational speaker.
Cyril Derreumaux, Founder of “OTW360”, participating and winning the Great Pacific Race 2016 in an Ocean Rowing Boat, race from California to Hawaii.
In the summer of 2016 Cyril captained a crew of 3 others to successfully row across the Mid-Pacific Ocean from California to Hawaii. In an expedition of just under 40 days, Cyril and his teammates earned a Guinness World Record for the fastest crossing of that distance in a Classic rowing boat.
In September of 2022 Cyril became the first 100% human powered, solo and unsupported kayaker to cross the distance between California and Hawaii.
What People Are Saying
“Cyril's enthusiasm is infectious. His 'joie de vivre' and passion for paddle sports is combined with a professionalism that means he does things the right way. He cares about the community and the individual. He's very special..”
— Sean Morley, Expedition Kayaker
“Cyril’s infectiously positive and 'go get it' attitude will change your outlook on life. Talk to him 15 minutes and you'll be truly inspired to get outside, try something new or to embark on a journey that you didn't think possible. That's what he did for me. He inspired me to race in the Yukon River Quest, a 444 mile ultra endurance and ultra grueling canoe race. ”
— Galen Licht, Owner Seatrek
“I have raced many endurance races with Cyril. He has always surpassed the challenge with great success. Some people have a mindset that can take their bodies through those ultra-long distance events. I know Cyril has this mindset and his body will love and thrive in any challenge he chooses to take on.”
— Johnny Eason, Ultra Endurance Racer