Kayaking: Donaldson paddles closer to home shores

Scott Donaldson. FILE

Scott Donaldson is now less than 100 nautical miles - 185km - off the Taranaki coast.

Completion of the crossing will make Scott, a former Rotorua swim coach, the first person to kayak solo the Tasman sea from Coffs Harbour in Australia to New Zealand. He is now into his third month at sea.

From 7am to 4.30pm today Scott has covered 33km, this places Scott 177km from the Taranaki coast.

The forecast is for wind decreasing and going more to the west.

"We are assuming Scott will paddle on tonight and into tomorrow in order to make the most of the improving conditions - the best he has experienced over the last 48 plus hours," said John Funnell, who has provided air support to Donaldson.

"Scott has reported he is always hungry because of the work he is doing, but thanks to Back Country Cuisine he has adequate food, with sufficient water for another five days.

"Sea conditions have not been pleasant, and his sleeping bag has become wet as a result of condensation and also from the attempted repair of the rudder, when water entered the cabin."

He said they were hopeful of a Sunday arrival into Port Taranaki and would update tomorrow.