The passing of a sea kayaking legend: Derek Hutchinson
The passing of a sea kayaking legend
Derek Hutchinson — June 30, 1933 – October 10, 2012
We got word today from Wayne Horodowich that Derek Hutchinson passed away at 4:12 GDT at the age of 79. He is considered by many as the father of modern sea kayaking. Derek did it all. He made historic sea kayak voyages, designed kayaks and paddles, wrote and illustrated books, appeared in video programs, trained countless paddlers, addressed symposium audiences around the world and was a Senior Coach of the British Canoe Union and an occasional contributor to Sea Kayaker. He was an unforgettable character who has left an indelible mark on our community.
The following photos are from Derek’s Facebook page:
15 Comments to “The passing of a sea kayaking legend: Derek Hutchinson”
I met him many moons ago when he was in the DC area. He was the perfect gentleman to us ladies as well as very funny. He was impressive and he expressed his opinions in an interesting way. He certainly was the most knowledgeable paddler I ever met. He made a real mark on the sport he loved and lived. He will be missed but not forgotten by generations of paddlers.
I paddled with him once to the Farne Islands in the 1980′s met him at Nigel Dennis’s, Sea Kayaking UK, house/centre in the 1990′s met him again last year at the British Canoe Union, 75th Anniversary Celebrations, in the car park, and he remembered me. He was as enthusiastic as ever and wanted to know where I had been paddling what my plans were etc he asked me to pass on his regards to Nigel. He must be one of the all time greats in sea kayaking.
This is very sad. Though I haven’t seen Derek in some years, I’ve often thought of him and returned to his books. I’m deeply grateful to Randy Henriksen of New York Kayak Company for bringing Derek into NYC as an instructor. He was fun, challenging, and inspiring. I fondly remember his admonition, “It’s a water sport!,” when we pupils hesitated to undertake moves that might keel us over. We heeded, and we got wet.
His stories about crossing the North Sea were hilarious, but best not told over dinner. Dinner, of course, was invariably fried.
Derek was an amazing knuckle walker, using his disproportionally long arms to “walk” his kayak into water from beaches (something he described but I regret never having seen). A land waddler, he was as graceful as a swan on water. Indeed, I think Richard Nonas or Harry Spitz (local kayakers) made that observation years ago.
Derek carried his passion forward through all his years. He surprised me once by remarking that he slept with his wrists upon pillows to reduce the pain. His story of paddling off the shore of Scotland seems apt now, and forgive my telling it in broad strokes for lack of recall of the details.
Derek was paddling toward a small town on open water when wind turned against him. His schedule was blown, and he approached what he believed to be his destination in darkness — this was a time before GPS and there were no shore lights other than the pale yellow glow of a window or two inland. The shore was chiefly rockface and standing splinters of stone. There would be no blind landing.
Instead, Derek learned to nap in a sea kayak in rough waters while waiting for sunrise. He said that he became attuned to the distance from shore through a slight rise in the roar of crashing waves. He would scurry out when he heard it too clearly.
Maybe if there’s an afterlife, after 79 years Derek has now safely made his way to shore in morning light.
Best regards,
Erik
Met Derek a number of times over the years. Bought and read his sea kayak book…enjoyed his ribald personality. Sorry to hear the news especially since he was only 79!
Hopefully he’s paddling on some other big and beautiful sea. Kayakers around the world will miss you.
Mitch
Sea Trek
Sausalito, CA
USA
As a young sea paddler in the late 80s Derek’s books and inspiration opened up many possibilities to me and lead me into the Paddlesports industry which I still love today.His techniques ,writings have served kayakers around the world and provided a renewed passion for the lifestyle I have pursued both personally and professionally or the last 25 years.RIP.Ross Boardman. Jervis Bay Kayaks Australia.Mega Surf Kayaks Australia,Seaward Kayaks Australia.
I was the first one to bring Derek to the U.S. for clinics. I was importing his boats from P & H and met him the first time at the Silver Palace Sea Kayak Symposium in London. I distinctly recall saying to him on our first meeting in London that he “looked a lot taller” in the pic on the front of his book. Derek taught clinics for me in Florida for years. HIs demanding demeanor brought many clinic participants to tears but my comment to them was always…’he may be demanding here…..on calm flat water…..but what you learn may someday save your life in adverse conditions.’ He and his late wife Helene had visited with us in Florida and on one of Derek’s visits, we were fortunate to obtain pic’s of Burt Reynolds signed and autographed to Helene. Derek often told us she was the ‘talk of the town at high tea with the ladies’. Derek also spent time with us in Maine. I have pictures and stories about Derek that would fill two books.Derek and I butted heads on more than one occasion but he was a good friend. He spent many days with my girlfriend and myself in both Florida and Maine. He spent time with us last year with his girlfriend Maureen and we had a ball. He was hilarious and told marvelous stories. He is one of the best kayak technicians, and possibly the best Eskimo roller, I ever had the pleasure to paddle with. I built two of his boats in the U.S. He will be dearly missed. His contributions, in spite of his sometimes demanding personality, are lasting and historic. Anyone who knew Derek knew he was a real pleasure to be with when he was good and a pain when he was bad. He will be missed and I’ll treasure his autographed drawings that hang on my wall in the “man cave”. At his passing they have become even more memorable to me as he drew most of them in our kitchen. My heart goes out to his family and his girlfriend Maureen. May they find comfort knowing he is in God’s hands. Derek…….may God bless you!
Sincere Condolences from Kayak Newfoundland and Labrador.
Must of the guides in this province use or have used his Sirocco. The Orion and later Gulf Stream remain most favoured boats for teaching and guiding.
I never met Derrick but his accomplishments and quirky ways have endeared him to most if not all paddlers.
Alex McGruer
Past President
Kayak Newfoundland and Labrador.
[...] 4. Sea Kayaker Magazine [...]
[...] Sea Kayaker Magazine blog is reporting that Derek Hutchinson, often referred to as the father of sea kayaking, died on [...]
Wow … Derek … he made me cry, he made me laugh, he made me want to hit him, hug him and kick him! What a great and wild fellow! I first paddled with Derek in Alaska 1986 – this is when I wanted to kick him. I have also spent numerous evenings with him at various symposia around the USA where he has brightened our time with great stories. Incredible … my thoughts go to all friends with whom I have shared time with together with Derek. Great memories! Thanks!
Lena Conlan / Crossing Latitudes
He will be missed – a great man and a great teacher – god speed Derek!
I also feel very sad at the passing of this legend of a man who touched so many lives. He was not only a great kayaker but also a
really nice and fun guy. I remember hearing him speak at Paddlesport about his north sea crossing, which he failed on the first attempt and said he wouldn’t try it again, but sure enough he
tried again and did it. He told of being rescued during the first attempted crossing and thinking he would be fine, and then his legs collapsed after being in the kayak for so many hours.
He also told how he pooped when paddling which I never forgot!
I learned from one of his books how to roll in the surf when paddling out into the breakers, and remaining upside down until the wave passed, both for fun and practice. And I remember, during one of his classes, how he demonstrated rescue techniques with little figures on his kayak deck. And when he demonstrated a really suave landing with a high brace, he said that to do it correctly you should have your pinky in your nose as if you’re picking it!
Derek was fabulous–thankyou Derek for everything-you’ll be missed.
Laurie Bleich
I have known Derek for 40+ years and he has never failed to inspire my kayaking adventures. We recently spent time sitting on the beach at S.Shields watching the surf and eating ice cream.
I remember watching him building the Baidarka and his trips across the North Sea, I now own and paddle a kayak made for him (Iona). On the day and time he died I was paddling on the North Sea in his kayak, when I heard about his passing I could not have been any closer too him; than enjoying the surf in the bright autumn sunshine. He always will be a true friend and a father figure to me and my family. Rest in peace Derek
I met Derek on a number of occasions, either at Nigel Dennis’s or as a member of the BCU National Coaching Committee. Never short for a word, he spent much of his time at the NCC meetings doodling on the back of minute sheets – I do hope he kept his notes as they really works of art
[...] of North Atlantic Canoe & Kayak, and was listed as an Honorary Member. A brief piece in Sea Kayaker Magazine pays tribute to his contribution to sea kayaking. His books and an excellent video featuring [...]