Artist and myco-materials innovator Sam Shoemaker just completed a historic 26-mile paddle from Catalina Island to the California coast aboard a boat made entirely from mushroom mycelium. Grown from bronze reishi (Ganoderma polychromum) harvested near his studio and packed with over 520 lbs of hemp hurd, the vessel was sealed with beeswax and shellac, then tested in open water before the successful crossing. Shoemaker spent 12 hours at sea, paddling with a custom oar stained using Gymnopilus ventricosus. His voyage marks a breakthrough in fungal design, and the boat will be featured in his fall exhibition with Fulcrum Arts in Pasadena. Recap his journey on TikTok and follow him on Instagram.