Very inspiring woman - very inspiring evening!

What I took away above all?

Never to "attempt" anything in life - just DO it!

Thanks MJ. And thanks for helping with the presentation.

I've been thinking about Freya all day - no, not the way Darren does. Rather, just how many paddlers and perhaps non paddlers she has inspired with her trip. I know I was - following her blog, reading her interviews in Sea Kayaker magazine, and then the presentation.

I thought it interesting that she was asked what _her_ inspiration was (a particular philosophy, philosopher, some writer, etc.). Freya wasn't too sure how to answer if I recall. While this would be a typical question from folks living in a city where book stores are filled with spiritual titles meandering through every aisle, Victorians were given the impression last night that Freya's inspiration comes from, well, deep within Freya. I rather suspect that is where most driven adventurers derive much of their resolve.

Oh, as for Freya's nudity, the photos were very subdued, given what most Europeans consider normal exposure, shall we say. It was also interesting to hear Freya open up and expose some of her other vulnerabilities which she could have easily left out and thereby detracted from the human side of the story.

I'm not so sure some of the other skin-rash and bug-bite photos were all that photogenically inspiring. I certainly wouldn't consider peeing through Lycra shorts into the cockpit as a good skin therapy. However, incontinent, round-continent racers have to do what they have to do, right?

Rich's Flicker photos showed the intimacy the small crowd afforded in ORS - retail product moved out of the way. There's a picture of me checking out Freya's stern - nice rudder system! Mick is correct; there is progress in the rudder department in the world of sea kayaking, finally. Rich however, didn't get any photo evidence of guys checking out Freya's other stern section, if you know what I mean - just as well.

I did disagree with her a bit when she generalized about Brit boats and paddlers spreading their legs thereby losing efficiency (splayed legs under thigh braces for those asking!). While she is correct that this is often an overlooked concern, there are alternatives like the Rockpool and Tiderace sea kayaks that are all over the issue, allowing a knees-up position to derive optimal paddler performance and output with a vertical stroke.

I did appreciate her not making a big deal about the difficult cliff sections she had to navigate. Unlike Paul C. who, while being a very humble man, emphasized the exposure in his presentation (well, it was a first); Freya was completely understated, allowing the accomplishment to speak for itself. Those who know anything about marine hazards know how truly accomplished a paddler is once these sections have been successfully and safely completed. No, not just anyone could do these sections by just waiting for a perfect window.

Well, whatever way you look at it, Freya is straight forward, down-to-earth paddler with otherworldly determination. She embodies a feminine brawn and boldness - all with exceptional beauty and brains.

While Yoda said it best, Freya lives it best:

"Do or do not do... there is no try."

Doug Lloyd

Very, very well stated, Doug.

We had a fantastic couple of days in Victoria with Freya and it was great to see quite a few familiar WCP faces. Freya once again gave a terrifically inspiring and often humorous presentation of her epic journey that was enjoyed by all who attended. Thanks to ShielaP, the folks at SISKA, and Ocean River Sports for hosting the event.

Maddie got invited to go for a paddle with a small group of people from SISKA with Freya today which was a really, really big thrill for Maddie.

Mark dropped us off at the ferry this afternoon (thanks for picking us up and dropping us off, Mark) but unfortunately we missed our ferry sailing by five minutes and had to sit at the terminal for a couple of hours. But our misfortune soon turned to good fortune as Freya showed up for the next ferry and we spent the trip back to Tsawwassen enjoying some fabulous discussion with her!

A big warm thank-you to Freya for the presentation, inspiration, and friendship -- it was truly a delight to meet her.


ShielaP, Freya, and Ocean River Sports owner Brian Henry


Freya and DarrenM


It was a sell out crowd at Ocean River Sports


Front row seats -- Maddie, SheilaP, Joanne, and Doug Lloyd


Carol, Andreas, and Mark watching and listening attentively


"She did it!". This was not an attempt. Not ever. Freya made it clear from the outset that she was going to complete her goal.


SISKA president Gary Allen, Brian Henry, and Freya drawing tickets for door prizes after the presentation


Freya and Mike Jackson


Freya coming into Brentwood Bay after the paddle


The group of paddlers returning at the beach


Freya carrying her boat up from the beach

Awesome pics Dan!

OMG!!! She gives Maddie the clothes off her back, and now this?!??! How lucky can someone get?

MJ has some great pics of the paddle for those of you who haven't seen them yet.

http://networkedblogs.com/aLCA

Nice shots Dan - and happy that your misfortune turned into good fortune with the ferry and Freya! It was good to see you again and to paddle with Maddie. Looking forward to seeing you again in April on Pender.
And Doug, yet another thoughtful set of words!

I had a chance to see the rudder system in action and was impressed. It would be nice to be able to retrofit my expedition boat this way! I really like the way there is nothing to catch/snag on - my main beef with rudder systems.
I also got a chance to try Freya's Epic wing paddle and was impressed by the ease with which I was able to propel my boat at a good clip. It was a quite different stroke to make the wing work efficiently. I am definitely willing to give a wing paddle another try - though it would take a lot to wean me off my Greenland paddle!

Wow.. that paddle in Brentwood looks epic! The expression on everyone's face says it all. You should have taked her down into tod inlet! Some great photos are letting me live vicariously just fine. Good thing the higher winds out on Haro and JDF didn't slide into Saanich Inlet - looks like the water was downright flat. Thanks again to Siska and ORS for bringing Freya to Vic.

-Rich

*****

Did anyone asked her about her naked-paddling and paddling without PFD?
These were quite hot details people were fascinated about.
Dose she recommend it under certain situation?

I am attending Seattle event ( thanks to SeaKayakers Mag. and K.A. for doing it on my day off!!), and wondering if I should ask her about it.

She addresses these things directly Sushi. She shows pics of her sores and explains why she makes some of her choices. If she doesn't talk about it, I would certainly ask her about it - she was open and honest with EVERY topic, as Andreas pointed out!

She is a strong woman and I think it would take a lot to offend her by asking fair questions.

Oooh! Oooh! I am steaming with jealousy down here in Oregon! You guys are so fortunate to have folks like Sheila, etc., to make that happen. And thanks to Doug for making her visit come to life in his words ... paddling position and all!

Wish I could bottle that grin on Darren's face.

Dave, it's too bad that you couldn't have been here to enjoy the show(s) but you do still have opportunity to see her -- Freya is going to be in Portland to do a presentation -- it's happening at the Mission Theater in Portland, at 7:00 PM on Thursday, February 18th. I'm not sure where you can get tickets for that presentation, but I'll find out.

Hopefully, you'll be able to attend that one -- you won't be disappointed if you can.

Also, I just checked Freya's blog and she's got a few more photos posted there as well as Doug Lloyd's post from this site.

I should also mention that it was really nice to see a few other people from the site (who haven't yet posted in this thread) that I haven't seen in a while -- Kathy (Kasey) traveled down from Kelowna for the show and attended it with her sister and Daniel (Elmo), John Kimantas from Wavelength Magazine, and Stephan and Stephanie Meinke, and Tony Copping from the BC Marine Trails Network Association. It was just one big paddling party!

*****

Dave, tickets for Freya's Portland presentation are available at Alder Creek Canoe and Kayak.

*****

A big THANK YOU to Sheila for bringing Freya to Victoria - we were very lucky that Sheila got the ball rolling.

Yes...well, it takes some people longer to get home than others!

I have to say that I very much enjoyed Freya's presentation as well. Although she is obviously a very strong personality, she surprised me with the humility and understatement that she showed at times. I have much respect for her after hearing her.

I ran into Dan and Maddie on the ferry and had a good visit. Maddie - you are one talented artist, Girl!! It was nice to chat with several WCPs there, nice to run into Andreas and his wife Carol in MEC the next day, nice to win a subscription to Sea Kayaker mag in the door prize draw! Picked up Gordon Brown's new video as well, and the Current Atlas and tables and will enjoy them!

I didn't get a chance to catch up with Sheila though as she was rather busy!! We'll have to catch up re that blanket Sheila! My thanks too...for getting the ball rolling to make this happen!
Kathy

It is quite easy to say that I did not know the meaning of inspiration until I met Freya Hoffmeister.

I went to both the Vancouver and Victoria presentations, and I felt mesmerized the whole time. Her journey was incredible. An amazing feat.

It is quite interesting to see the effect that one person can have on so many different people. Everyone left her presentation with something to think about, and I believe that she has added more fuel to the fire for a lot of people, and will drive them to accomplish goals that they may have set for themselves.

She is what every paddler aspires to be, and very few ever become. She is confident, dedicated, courageous, and self reliant. She is truly a beautiful woman.

She taught me so much in such a short amount of time, and has no doubt left a lasting impression. She helped me realize how much time there is. Between her and I, there is a 30 year age difference. She let me see that it's okay not to get everything done right away. I have plenty of time to accomplish my dreams, and it will be just as significant to fulfill them later as it would be to fulfill them now.

I admire how she has the courage to do things for herself, and for no one else. That is real strength.

As I sat on the ferry and listened to my Dad and Freya speak with one another, it became so apparent how knowledgeable and wise she is. I could spend days just listening to her journeys and stories.

I was kind of sad to see Freya go when we disembarked the ferry. I felt as though I had only met the tip of the iceberg known as Freya.

I feel so privileged to have been able to meet and paddle with her. It was one weekend of my life that I will never forget.

I would very much like to thank SheilaP for her hospitality and for helping to organize the Victoria presentation and paddle.

From now on, I will carry my own little piece of Freya with me wherever I go, and she will bring me good luck.

I too got a chance to try out Freya's Epic wing paddle. Almost effortless and still moves the boat along VERY WELL.

Speaking of MOVE, Freya can really drive that boat. I could swear I saw a roostertail. Brian Henry is no slouch either, keeping up with her during a few sprints across Saanich Inlet in his 'lighter than air' carbon Caribou.

Sheila--thanks once again for making this happen.

Thanks for all the thank yous everyone! I would like to point out that the ball was aleady rolling and I just picked it up and tossed it forward, with a lot of help.

WCP already had the ball rolling in the Freya forum which had a lot of momentum; it also got me engaged enough to follow this epic journey.

Andreas tossed a grounder when he posted about her blog and encouraged us to post (I emailed instead).

Freya threw a hard fast ball right back at me and said she would love to come to Victoria! And yes, she had read the blog posts by the paddle community.

SISKA's (South Island Sea Kayak Associtaion) executive quickly approved the expenses for hosting Freya AND the TEAM did most of the work while I ran around doing a happy dance.

And Brian at Ocean River Sports offered a free venue and the support of his staff.

AND the kayaking community bought their tickets and turned up at the event.

All of these things added up to a successful evening.

THANK YOU West Coast Paddlers!

Thanks to all the kind WCP folks, who motivated us to drive the 100 miles each way today to catch Freya's talk in Portland. What a great presentation! What an inspiring person! Definitely one of a kind. I think there were about 300 souls present, in a McMenamin's pub/theater. Freya received an enthusiastic response.

I asked her at the Victoria presentation what her next trip might entail - she was pretty mute (and battling a virus and temperature that had just subsided). Well, she either has plans and isn't saying or perhaps hasn't finished processing Australia yet. She did say there were other "continents" to consider. Some of us would like to see the "Hoff" do the entire South American continent - through the Panama Canal all the way around and back.

Freya really rocked my world: given the chit chat here on WCP, a lot of us owed it to her to man-up and attend her presentation on Australia and suck back up our negativity about her "attempt". It was no attempt, as she reminded us. Attempts often fail. She just does it. Thinking back, no one here on WCP wished her any bad luck though.

I do admit we had a right to be concerned, given her initial statements that she was going to do it unsupported - which she did for most of the trip. Mike had worried about the water supply issue on the South Coast; well so did Freya and support was the only option. Furthermore, the long crossing was another concern that she overcame with dual paddle floats and a bum support to give her support to stay in her cockpit while laying back, crucifixion style on the back deck. Simple, effective, brilliant. Got the job done. That's Freya.

Did luck come in to her circumnavigation. I'm sure it did. But Freya seemingly can paddle on despite bad luck, and she did in many cases, throwing contempt at bad circumstances while downplaying such in her retrospective. Of course, one bad spider bite or one bad bout with endogenous bacteria could have taken her down for the count, but it didn't. Such is the life of a goddess.

Freya has had somewhat of soap-operatic life with various partners and there were some comments on WCP and other blogs, not to mention the nudity thing. But as Maddie mentioned (and clarified by Dan) none of that diminishes her accomplishments and her skills and fortitude should stand by themselves (and they do, especially in a world dominated by male accomplishments).

I did see a Norse-sold, Freya Goddess tea shirt that said something like, "if you can't lay 'em, slay 'em". Well, Freya has slayed a few male records and I hope she does more. She certainly slayed my heart, but that's nothing to do with her gender. She is one incredible paddler, evolving her style and equipment and not giving a darn what other people think. She is the ultimate, independent paddler in my mind. Many would agree.

Doug L