Tasman kayaker edges closer to New Zealand – time to clean the kayak

Scott Donaldson departed Coffs Harbour on May 2 for his attempt at kayaking the Tasman solo. Photo / File

Tasman Kayaker Scott Donaldson is slowly getting closer to the coast of New Zealand.

Now roughly 750km from Cape Reinga, Donaldson has paddled 250km in the past week.

His wife, Sarah, speaks with him about once a week, via satellite phone, and said her husband was in good spirits.

"I spoke to Scott a couple of days ago and he said he had had a hard week – trying to make progress battling the winds and currents.

"This current weather pattern is much more favourable and will help him along."

The weather today at Donaldson's current position sees a northwest wind at an average of 15 knots, with an average wave height of 3m.

Rain is also forecast for most of the day.

Donaldson has had to get out of his kayak to clean the growing marine life from the underside of the craft, despite his brush with a curious 2.5m shark last week.

Due to the slow speed of a kayak in the ocean environment, sealife build-up on the hull is an issue. It creates resistance and slows his progress

Donaldson will have to get out of his kayak up to three times on his trip to clean off barnacles and marine life.

"He is staying healthy and mentally alert and got out of the boat to check the underside, no sharks this time," his wife said.

Although he is edging closer to Cape Reinga, making landfall on the Taranaki coast is still the goal.

"We have regular discussions with Bob McDavitt our weather guru about the best route. At the moment, Taranaki still remains the best bet. It's where the wind and tides will take him."

Follow Scott Donaldson's progress at tasmankayak.com.