Australia

Posted by Freya on March 16, 2008

Press Release:

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 she makes it, she’ll become the first woman to completet the journey and only the second person since Paul Caffyn, her friend and mentor from the NZ trip, did it 25 years ago.

What makes it so formidable?

Hungry salt water crocodiles, dangerous sharks, venomous sea snakes and jelly fish, massive surf, exposed crossings, to organize freshwater and food dumps, several stretches along sheer two day long cliffs without any landing 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 (>55 km) per day for one year. Starting on the Southwest Coast in October 2008, Freya’s progress will be posted on her website www.qajaqunderground.com You are more than welcome to follow her way along!