New York paddlers Marcus Demuth and Biff Wruszek set out on December 30th, 2009 to the southernmost tip of Patagonia to attempt the first circumnavigation of Isla Grande Tierra del Fuego, South America’s largest island. Three weeks and 620 miles later – about two thirds through their circumnavigation – the two paddlers turned the southeast corner of Isla Grande Tierra del Fuego to paddle north along the east coast of Tierra del Fuego towards their final destination and starting point, Punta Arenas (Chile). Upon reaching the east coast, relentless winds and high seas pinned down the duo down for 10 days at Caleta Falsa. After 3 breakout attempts, all of which ended with a retreat back into the safety of Caleta Falsa, factors including continuos strong winds, too high seas to paddle, the lack of a foreseeable weather window, dwindling food supplies, the geography of the coastline, and the remoteness of their location saw Biff and Marcus make the painful decision to end their trip.

They are disappointed that they were unable to close the loop around Tierra del Fuego, but know they are very fortunate to have visited this beautiful and wild location, and to have enjoyed the hospitality of both the kayaking and non-kayaking populations of this very remote place on Earth. The expedition raised more than $2,000 for the kayak chapter of “Achilles”, a New York based nonprofit that enables people with all types of disabilities to participate in mainstream athletics.

Below is a more detailed account of their adventure:

“Although calling off our expedition was – and still is – a painful decision, it was less of a “decision” than a “realization” we both came to within hours of each other. Weather-bound in Caleta Falsa (on the far south eastern tip of Tierra del Fuego), our options and our food supply dwindled daily as we waited for the winds to drop. For most of the first week we assumed the stronger winds we were encountering were a storm, and took turns to get up and take wind readings; first at 3am and then – often going back to bed with our dry suits on – again 2 hours later, then 3 hours after that. Later in the day we would watch the winds and seas around the clock. Perceiving momentary lulls in the weather on three occasions, and partly fueled by cabin fever, partly fueled by impatience to get moving we went paddling anyway. But every time we left Caleta Falsa, a small bay 100 miles northeast of Cape Horn, 30 to 60 mph winds and dangerously high seas made us turn around into the shelter of the bay.

Our attempt to circumnavigate Tierra del Fuego was the first, and we knew the challenges the expedition would present. We also knew there was a chance we might not be successful. Should we have circumnavigated clockwise, instead of counter clockwise? Maybe. Yes, for the reason that we would have had the northwest winds on the east coast of Tierra del Fuego at our back. No, for the reason that we would have paddled 300 miles straight into westerly winds in the Beagle Channel and Canal Brecknock, something that no kayak expedition (or kayaker) has done.

Despite the fact that our expedition did not achieve its ultimate goal (reaching Punta Arenas) we are happy that we went and that we challenged ourselves in this most demanding of maritime environments. We enjoyed warm welcomes in the lonely outposts of the Chilean and Argentinean Prefectura/Armada, and from the kayaking communities in Ushuaia, Rio Grande (Argentina) and Punta Arenas (Chile). We also enjoyed endless wildlife and vistas in the Cordillera Darwin and on the southernmost tip of South America – all of which were big drivers for the trip. All in all, we would do it again, and the only question my trusted expedition partner Biff and I still (and again) have on our mind is: Where and when do we go next?” – Marcus