As tough as kayakers get

Over 25 years have passed since Ed Gillet paddled from Point Monterey to Maui. I met him a year or so after this trip. My girlfriend and I hung around his kayak shop he ran with his wife Katy in San Diego slowly getting to know both of them. By then he'd already been on TV and interviewed to a point were he never wanted to talk about it again. I didn't know about his trip when I met him, he didn't tell me until much later and maybe that's why we got along. He wrote two articles about his 64 day trip and put it behind him. Being in the lime light wasn't his thing. What he really cared about was being on the ocean in a kayak. We paddled together just a few times but spent many hours in his shop talking gear, navigation, cycles of life and weather and just about everything else having to do with kayaking and living off the sea. He was my mentor, friend and one of the best kayak fishermen I'll ever know. Years before Jim Sammons would lead his first trip to the La Jolla kelp beds for calico bass, Ed was paddling dozens of offshore miles a day and taking 30 and 40 pound yellowtail. But this was long before internet, big fish brag boards, kayak-fishing sponsorships and the age of self-promotion. It's just as well that wasn't his sort of thing. Next time you're impressed with yourself, the fish you caught or the rough conditions you endured to get that fish, think of this guy. He was tough as it gets, tougher than any kayak fisherman you'll every meet, but you won't hear it from him.

You could totally do that trip on a Sit on Top!

You could totally do that trip on a Sit on Top!

The other end of the Humility Scale chimes in.

My point exactly.

Well said about Ed Gillet.  I heard him speak at the Pt Townsend Sea kayak symposium after his trip, a very unassuming person for such an incredible test of survival and determination.

Daaaaamn..............

You could totally do that trip on a Sit on Top!

The other end of the Humility Scale chimes in.

My point exactly.

Means a bit more coming from a guy that's done the things you have.

Amazing story. If somebody handed me a sextant I would't have the first clue what do with it.

That is a super cool post Yaktrap. You are lucky to have met someone like that who was nice enough to show you some things and take you under his wing. I've seen some of the videos you have posted and I am no kayaking vet by any means but it looked like he taught you well with the rivers you have run and the fish you have caught. Nice work man and I hope you keep posting and taking videos - That will help some of us who haven't been on the water/salt as much. Thanks again.

Cool story and all but why am I supposed to feel bad about my accomplishments just because someone else did it bigger? More power to him, sounds like a cool guy. Doesn't mean I feel any different about myself or what I do. You're expounding about his humility but essentially bragging for him. 

I heard this guy walked on the moon on time, but I still feel great when I summit Mt. Defiance or earn the view from Angel's Rest. Measuring yourself against others is a recipe for unhappiness.

A major reason that the sport of kayak angling has become so big is precisely because so many people do"self promote". Honestly I think that is a terrible phrase. In every post or video I make I tried to include details or information that would be helpful to someone else so it is less about self promotion and more about helping others. I suspect the same is true for others.

There will always be those who will do bigger and better things or be pioneers but those people are not necessarily good ambassadors to the sport. In the years I lurked on NWKA I looked up immensely to and still do to people like Jammer, Rawkfish, Demonick, Rory, and the list goes on. All of them post profusely, are extremely helpful, and supportive members of the NWKA family. The internet, YouTube, GoPros and the likes have allowed all us to share those experiences and moments with each other. I love being there even if only thru a digital experience. I don't see anything wrong with it. Building a community of supportive like minded people seems like a good thing to me and there is not doubt that the advice given on this board has saved lives.

But lets face it. One who isn't seeking attention doesn't go on Johnny Carson. In his interview even Ed recognized that the Hawaiian's had already done what he had done (from the other direction of course) without the assistance of bulkheads, freeze dried food, sextants, and solar stills. He seemed like a humble guy as are most people are who are willing to go out on big water in 10-13' boats. If you do not possess some humility and spend any time in a kayak nature will remind you soon enough.

What a great accomplishment, and another example of human fortitude. Not to side line/belittle the video (thanks for posting), but I forgot how much I miss Johnny Carson.

I'm not worthy!