On November 12, 2024, Louis Margot departed from Lima, Peru, to begin the longest and most demanding stage of his human-powered journey around the world: a solo, unsupported rowing crossing of the Pacific Ocean.
Ahead of him lay nearly 21,000 km of open ocean before reaching Indonesia. This stage alone would require months of rowing and stands as the greatest challenge of the entire Human Impulse adventure.
Part One: Lima to the Marquesas Islands
The first weeks are marked by the challenge of adapting to life at sea and the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. Alone in the middle of the ocean, Louis settles into a rhythm of long days at the oars, fragmented nights of sleep, and the constant challenges posed by winds and currents.
Despite the challenges, this first leg of the crossing is also marked by breathtaking scenery and several memorable encounters with marine wildlife.
After 117 days at sea, Louis reached the Marquesas Islands on March 8, 2025, bringing to an end a first crossing of more than four months.
A Stopover in the Marquesas Islands
After more than one hundred days at sea, this stopover provided an opportunity to carry out repairs on the boat, replenish supplies, and recover physically before continuing the adventure.
This stopover would last several months, allowing Louis to wait for a favourable weather window before setting off again towards Asia.
On June 1, 2025, Louis departed from Hiva Oa to begin the second half of his Pacific crossing.
The first weeks are mentally demanding. After spending several months on land, it takes time to regain the rhythm of life at sea, but gradually the routines return and the miles begin to add up once again.
Highlights of the Crossing
This second leg of the crossing is marked by numerous encounters with marine wildlife, including turtles, sharks, swordfish, rays, and whales.
As he gets closer to Asia, fishing vessels and maritime traffic become increasingly frequent, a clear sign that land is drawing nearer.
Like any expedition of this scale, the crossing is marked by several technical challenges. Two solar panels gradually stop functioning, and some electronic equipment begins to show signs of failure.
Solitude, isolation, and the repetitive nature of daily life also represent a constant mental challenge throughout the crossing.
In the middle of the Pacific, Louis reaches a symbolic milestone: he becomes officially closer to his finish in Morges than to his starting point.
A powerful moment in the journey, marking the beginning of the return towards Switzerland.
Arrival in Indonesia
After rowing 20,964 km and spending 306 days at sea (excluding stopovers), Louis finally completed this incredible Pacific crossing upon reaching Indonesia.
The original plan was to reach Singapore, but navigating conditions and the increasing density of maritime traffic ultimately led to the official finish of Stage 4 in Surabaya, Indonesia.
This crossing makes Louis the first Swiss person to row across the Pacific Ocean solo and unsupported.
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