Australia
After my successful circumnavigation,
I’m available for slideshows and lectures about my trip.
Please send me an e-mail for inquiries!
FAQ’s (Frequent asked Questions)
Press Release:
Logo design by Domingo Benitez
In 2007, Freya Hoffmeister circumnavigated Iceland in a record 33 days. Three month later, she set out to become the first woman to round the South Island of New Zealand, solo and unsupported. Seventy days later, the 43-year-old sea kayaker from Husum, Germany completed another record-setting trip that Paul Caffyn called “The most significant solo kayak trip undertaken by a woman in the southern hemisphere”.
What’s next for the paddler, known as “The Woman in Black”?
“The Race Around Australia Expedition”
Expected to take her roughly one year, the 9,400 mile (15.000 km) journey around the southern continent is considered one of, if not the, most challenging trip in the world of sea kayaking. While there have been dozens of attempts, if Freya makes it, she’ll become the first woman to complete the journey and only the second person since Paul Caffyn, her friend and mentor from the NZ trip, did it 27 years ago.
What makes it so formidable?
Huge salt water crocodiles, Great White sharks, venomous sea snakes and deadly jelly fish, massive surf, exposed crossings, the challenge of coordinating freshwater and food dumps, hundreds of kilometres of sheer cliffs without any landing zones and destroying cyclones are some of the most daunting treats – not to mention the tropical heat and physical toll it will take to average upwards of 35 miles (~ 60 km) per day for one year.
Starting in Melbourne in January 2009, Freya’s progress will be posted on her website www.qajaqunderground.com
You are more than welcome to follow her along!
Sponsor’s List for the Trip:
- Karel Vissel – Weather Support on all my Expeditions
- Victorian Sea Kayak Club – Logistic Support in OZ
- Epic Kayaks – 18 x sport Kayaks, wing Paddles and generous support
- Sea Kayaker Magazine – OZ-trip-report coverage and generous support
- Thule Sweden – Roof Racks and generous support
- Outer Edge Adventure Magazine – OZ-trip-report and generous support
- Teva – Sandals and (Water-)shoes
- Cytosport – Muscle Milk Proteine and CytoMax Elektrolyte Drinks
- W.Böge-computerService – service Portégé Notebook
- ACR Electronics – EPIRB, Strobe Light
- ICOM – M88 Marine Handheld VHF Radio
- Telestial – 9505A Iridium Satellite Phone
- EPIC – Action Sports Video Cam
- Kokatat – Paddling Gear and generous support
- Reed Chillcheater – Paddling Gear and generous support
- MSR Gear – Stoves, Cooking Gear and Tents
- Traveller’s Tree – Nightwear
- Geoscience Australia – Topo Maps
- Australian Hydrographic Service – Tide Tables and Books
- Terry Bolland’s Canoeing Down Under – Shipping Help and Various Equipment Pieces
- Expedition Kayaks – various gear and support
- Mirage Sea Kayaks – Electrical Bilge Pump and Mobile Trolley
- Nadgee Kayaks – Built in Wheel System (Trolley)
- Sport Zölzer - Bags, Kayak- and Paddle Floats
- Nigel Foster Designs – Spare Paddle Deck Bag
- North Water – Paddling Supplies
- Skwoosh – Paddling Gel Cushions
- Hotel Arte Vida – Logo and T-Shirt Design
- Paddler’s Supply Seattle – This and That
- Blü Bandoo – Cooling Headwear
- Miracle Swimming Institute - Donation “Race Around Australia”
- Wasser & Wind Sport Rügen – Donation “Race Around Australia”