Scott Donaldson's successful solo Tasman Sea crossing has been written into Lord Howe Island folklore with the island's Aquatic club making him a life member.
Donaldson reached the shore at Ngāmotu Beach in New Plymouth last night after leaving Coffs Harbour on New South Wales' north coast two months ago on May 2.
Donaldson initially intended to paddle past Lord Howe on his way to New Zealand but made a brief stop on the island after 10 days of paddling due to bad weather.
The Lord Howe Island Aquatic Club presented him with a life membership shortly after his arrival on the island. He was the first non-resident to be awarded the membership.
Craig Thompson from the club said members believed Donaldson's crossing needed to be recognised as one of the greatest feats of human endurance the island had ever witnessed.