So long Derek Hutchinson, Kayaking Legend & Friend.

Derek passed away on Oct. 10th 2012 and I heard a very few hours later.

He was one of the most amazing men.  Frustrating, exciting and always interesting and most important to me, a friend of mine.   He will be missed.

I will always remember the dinners together when Derek would tell the waitress that he was allergic to greens and not accept anything on his plate that was remotely healthy.   I remember the time we were flying to a trade show together and we both had laughing fits that lasted about 20 minutes.  The good stuff and the other stuff that went along with being a friend of Derek’s is what I remember.  I enjoyed them all and will miss Derek.

I was lucky enough to have visited Derek in June when I was kayaking in the Scottish Hebrides and I drove to visit Derek at his home and even in poor health, we went out to the local pub and had dinner and a beer – it is a very good memory and one I am so glad I have.

Derek’s fight with cancer was a long one and I know he fought it all the way.

Brian Henry

The below image is on of the many art pieces that Derek did as a figurehead for his famous Gulfstream kayak.  This image is of a Dolphin and mermaid to represent the Gulfstream current that joins Europe and North America, to symbolize the collaboration of ours to produce his design in North America.

Read about Derek Hutchinson’s crossing of the North Sea in Adventures on the Blue

For a good Derek Hutchinson tribute page and commentary on the man and his exploits go to Tsunami Rangers

An interview with international sea kayak authority Derek Hutchinson at the 2007 West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium: