Man Crosses 26 Miles in Kayak Made From Mushrooms

On a clear August morning, artist and mycologist Sam Shoemaker set off from Catalina Island in a kayak unlike any other. His vessel wasn’t plastic, fiberglass, or wood — it was made entirely from mushrooms. According to The Guardian, Shoemaker’s 26.4-mile crossing to San Pedro marks the longest open-water journey in a mushroom-grown kayak and demonstrates both the promise and the challenges of fungi as a sustainable material.

The boat was grown using mycelium, the dense root-like network that supports fungi, cultivated with hemp substrate inside a mold. After weeks of incubation and months of drying, the result was a durable, cork-like material strong enough to withstand open seas. At one point during the 12-hour journey, Shoemaker was trailed by a massive fin whale, adding to the surrealism of the voyage.

Mycelium-based composites, sometimes referred to as AquaFung, could offer a biodegradable alternative to plastics in marine contexts. Scientists and artists have been experimenting with mushroom-based innovations ranging from mushroom “leather” to surfboards and buoys. Unlike Styrofoam or petroleum-based plastics that linger in the environment, mycelium materials eventually break down, reducing long-term Pollution.

Shoemaker is not the first to test fungal boats — Nebraska artist Katy Ayers grew a record-setting mycelium canoe in 2019. Still, his Pacific Ocean crossing represents a major step forward in showing the practical limits and possibilities of this approach. While the process took over a year and the resulting kayak was heavier and slower than commercial versions, it offers a glimpse of what could be possible if investment in fungal materials grows.

Mushroom innovations are already appearing in fashion and design, with companies exploring lab-grown mushroom leather for furniture and clothing. As Shoemaker and others share open-source research, a new generation of creators may push fungal materials even further.

Supporting breakthroughs like these aligns with protecting animals, safeguarding health, and building a world less dependent on harmful plastics. Choosing plant-based lifestyles and sustainable products helps nurture that shift toward a cleaner, kinder future.

Video Source: Sam Shoemaker/Youtube

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