So I’m sure you’ve noticed it too. 2006 was by all means a banner year for the women of sea kayaking. About bloody time too if you ask me. Hopefully those horror stories I’ve heard from female students about that “one” bullet head coach will be happening less and less. Personally I’ve been lucky to have had coaching from, and got to know some of these intelligent, gifted, strong, hilarious, wise, and dare I say, quite beautiful women (come on I’m male I can’t help it. . .). We’re certainly better off for having them around, even when the kayaks are in the shed.

And that seems a fair introduction to a new name for many of us, at least north of the equator, Sandy Robson. In just a few days Sandy will mark the 25th anniversary of Paul Caffyn’s journey around Australia in 1981 by launching out on her Australian quest. Her goal is to paddle as far as possible around the Australian Coastline in one year. This is defiantly her own personal dream, but she too has noticed that in her part of the world there’s still a lack of woman on the water. Sandy hopes to inspire more women to sea kayak and more importantly go after their dreams.

Now if you’ve read up on the history of kayaking around that part of the world, this is not a quest for the feint of heart. These are defiantly some of the more woolly seas our planet has to offer. Sandy will be launching her Mirage 580 from Queenscliff, in Victoria and head north, circumnavigating the continent counterclockwise. Her goal is to cover about 200 to 250 Km per week. That’s about 124-155 miles for us Americans. On the low end that’s like 17 miles per day 7 days a week. With a day or two off. .well there will be some long days in there. And of course, like any good Australian kayaker, she’s got her Mirage rigged to sail as well.

Sandy’s website is here. You’ll be able to learn more about her, and the expedition. You can also follow along with her trip journal as well. Remember this is a long haul. Be sure to keep checking in as the year goes on. While we chat about all the other great adventures throughout 2007, Sandy will be out there chugging along. Be sure to let her know once in a while that we’re thinking about her as the days turn to weeks and months. And for you Aussies, if you can help out a bit by volunteering with food drops or even a nice cooked meal along the way please send an email to robsos@penrhos.wa.edu.au. Sandy calls her little adventure “SLAP”, “Sandy’s Long Australian Paddle”. She’s not kidding!

Sandy would like to thank these guys;

Mainpeak
Australian Geographic
Sea to Summit
Wilderness Equipment
& West Coast Kayaks

Did I say once that only amazing people can dream amazing dreams? I can’t even imagine.

*photo of Sandy Robson used by permission. Thank you!!