Interview by
Peter Tranter

We are Lucy Graham and Mathilde Gordon, two close friends who met at university in 2013 through a shared passion for the environment and adventure. We both call Australia home and love exploring, delving deep into the beautiful sights that our country has to offer. We are lucky to have called the tropical islands and atolls of the Great Barrier Reef home and from a young age developed a passion for ocean protection. Ever since we volunteered at our first big beach cleanup a couple of years ago, we have been living single-use plastic free and campaign for cleaner oceans at every chance we get. Now, we are about to…

Take on the Inside Passage

More info:
https://passageadventures.org

Taking on the Inside Passage

When did you first start kayaking?

Lucy: I first started kayaking in high school with the outdoor education program, but got more serious later. When I was 17, I completed a certificate IV in outdoor recreation and started my career as an outdoor educator. I lead multi-day trips in a variety of adventure sports, including kayaking. The ocean and sea kayaking has always been a real love for me.
Mathilde: I started sea kayaking with my dad in Darwin when I was 14 years old, despite the crocodiles. We would go out in the double kayak and usually did day trips of a maximum of four hours to tropical beaches, but never anything overnight.

So when and why did the idea of paddling the Inside Passage first come to mind?

Lucy: In 2009 I went to Canada for a short trip and I remember sitting on the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria on Vancouver Island. I was looking at a map of the Inside Passage and promised myself I would come back to kayak through those Islands. I never let go of that dream.
Mathilde: To be honest I hadn’t heard of the Inside Passage before Lucy told me a couple of years ago. However I had been on exchange to Vancouver Island and seen how beautiful the scenery was around there. I also knew that there would be plenty of wildlife, including whales! When she asked me to join, I said yes before I really knew what I was throwing myself into, and I’m glad I did!

What type of training have you done for the expedition?

Training has been really important, but also had to fit it in around our everyday life for the last two years – that meant training on and off the water. On the water we practiced rolling, rescues and safety as well as getting distance under the belt. That meant weekly kayaking trips together on the rivers and through the passages of islands around Brisbane. Off the track we did a lot cross training at the gym, building our endurance, strength and stamina. Alongside this we did a specific training course in Sydney and a seven-day trip down the coastline of Fraser, Queensland to trial some of our systems. We are feeling strong and confident that our training has prepared us for.

Have you both paddled together before on expeditions?

Before we decided to do this trip we had never paddled together before. We have however, spent time hiking through Tasmania together and other multi-day walks. We also have run community groups and campaigns together that test relationships in different, yet just as challenging ways. So although we haven’t paddled together, we feel confident that we have the right kind of friendship for an expedition such as this.

What are the main objectives for the expedition?

We are raising awareness about the issue of marine debris, and fundraising at least $20,000 for two marine conservation organisations; the Tangaroa Blue Foundation in Australia and the Living Oceans Society in Canada. We are also raising the profile of young women in adventure, and want to show everyone that with determination and planning, you can lead the way on any journey of your choice.

Some people may say you’re crazy to take on this expedition. What’s your response?

Lucy: I laugh. Crazy is a matter of perception. There is always someone with a more crazy expedition, or less. I always like to remind people that calling us crazy is usually because we are doing something unusual, or out of our comfort zone, but that is exactly how we grow, learn and become better. So in that sense I hope we all get to be a bit crazy sometimes.
Mathilde: I think lots of people think something like this is completely out of their league and you have to be professional kayakers to do it, but in reality, we’re just normal people with a strong desire to explore the outdoors. Many people have kayaked the Inside Passage and I think if others decided to follow, then they would be pleasantly surprised at what they could achieve, and how quickly their definition of ‘crazy’ changes with each experience.

Tell us about how you plan to manage the risks in such cold conditions?

Hypothermia is definitely one of our key concerns with risk management for the trip. We are really lucky to have Kokatat behind us, having supplied us with thermals, apparel and drysuits. This gear goes a long way to prevention, which is of course the primary goal. Apart from having solid gear, we will be monitoring the weather every day, making sure we don’t expose ourselves to unnecessary risk with the weather. Obviously capsizing in water like this is very dangerous, so we will ensure we are not on the water in conditions that put at risk of capsizing. In preparation for a potential capsize, we will have handy emergency blankets, a thermos full of hot water (for tea), and high energy foods.

What else will be the main dangers?

Lucy: Bears. Not necessarily them hurting us, but more the scenario where they are at our intended camp and won’t let us land. Which could extend the paddling day quite a bit, putting us at risk of exposure and fatigue. I know this has been an issue for previous paddlers and I hope it doesn’t happen to us.
Mathilde: People always say that Australia has many animals that can kill you, but I maintain the argument that nothing is big enough to actively hunt you down, as opposed to bears, cougars and wolves… I love them all but I’ll be honest, having to pee in the dark in the middle of the night 100 metres from the tent is probably what I’m most nervous about.

So when do you start and how long will the expedition take?

We start on the 7th of May, and kayak over 2,000km for three months straight. We will be doing an average of 35km a day.

Have you ever been scared and if not – what would it take?

Lucy: My mum always tells me I am not brave, because I am not scared. I think being scared or afraid is an indication that you are in a place you weren’t prepared for. I have been in bad situations, stuck in snow storms in the Andes, or when mates have got into tricky spots whilst whitewater kayaking. Although those moments were pretty crap, our preparation meant that I wasn’t scared. I think it would take a situation that I hadn’t considered and had no tools or experience to deal with to scare me.
Mathilde: I like to have a healthy dose of adrenaline and fear in my everyday life, such as when I fall off the rock whilst lead climbing, or head out to surf in swell that is way above my capability. However, I have never been in a scary or uncomfortable situation where I really don’t want to be there and there’s no easy way out aside from continuing to the next land destination. I am a bit worried about that.

What’s your most embarrassing moment?

Mathilde: I can’t actually remember one, so I think that means that I’m alright at ignoring what people think of me, even in ‘embarrassing’ situations.

If you could paddle anywhere in the world, where would it be and what appeals about this location?

Lucy: I think Svalbard Fjords in the Arctic or Fiordland in New Zealand. The places just look so incredibly magical to me.
Mathilde: I would love to paddle around Greece, there’s something about the scenery and clarity (and warmth!) of the water that is just so appealing.

What one piece of advice you would give to somebody thinking of becoming an adventurer?

Lucy: Don’t wait until ‘the time is right’. Make the time right. Just start, set a goal and keep working towards it. It doesn’t have to be anything to anyone else. An adventure is an adventure if it is outside your comfort zone and taking you somewhere new, that is different for everyone. Also just have fun!
Mathilde: Maintain both a healthy dose of confidence and weariness. That way you can be sure to achieve your goals safely. If you honestly believe you can do it, then there’s nothing that can stop you.

What do you do to relax?

Lucy: Adventure, I actually find being in nature and doing adventurous stuff relaxing in an active way. It restores my heart and soul. But more traditional relaxing I do also includes reading great books and poetry.
Mathilde: I love to go into the bush with my hammock, a campfire and a book, and not think about anything else other than exploring and eating. I also think that diving is incredibly relaxing, but I unfortunately don’t get to do it that often.

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

Lucy: Helping people to create a more environmentally and socially just society for all. I am passionate about helping people find their power to create change and inspire others. So I see myself working for people and the environment, but also having an adventurous life where I get to keep enjoying nature and reminding myself of why I love this world so much!
Mathilde: I’d love to pursue work in ocean conservation, so hopefully researching incredible marine creatures in a beautiful location. Preferably somewhere where I can go surfing every day. In my spare time I’ll still be climbing up mountains and campaigning for environmental protection. Maybe we won’t have to think about marine debris anymore because we would have picked up our game!

Quickies

If you could paddle with anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be?

Lucy: David Attenborough.
Mathilde: David Attenborough.

Pick two celebrities to be your parents…

Lucy: Robin Williams and Jane Goodall.
Mathilde: David Attenborough and Jacques Cousteau (we live in a new era now!).

Which famous person would you most like to see play you in a film?

Mathilde: Emma Watson. We have the same hair, so the rest should follow pretty easily. She is also my idol.

Are you a bathroom/shower singer and if so what do you sing?

Lucy: Yep! Old school – Beatles, Queen, Van Morrison and Bob Dylan.
Mathilde: Oh yes. Bohemian Rhapsody, Total Eclipse of the Heart, many Passenger songs, the soundtrack to the Boat that Rocked.

Facebook or Twitter?

Lucy: I can’t be a twit.
Mathilde: Facebook is already too much for me to handle, I’ve never been drawn to Twitter.

An ideal night out for you is?

Lucy: A night that involves good food, jazz music, espresso martinis/gin and a fire under the star surrounded by hammocks and friends.
Mathilde: Camping under the stars with friends and loved ones, with fire-cooked potatoes and damper in my belly.

What one luxury item would you take with you on a desert island?

Mathilde: A magical hammock that could suspend itself without trees. If I had to pick something real, then it would be my feather-down pillow, which sounds lame but… whatever.

What would I find in your fridge right now?

Lucy: Vegetables, eggs, milk in glass from a local dairy, a banana cake and some cheese in plastic that my housemates bought (you can’t always win).
Mathilde: No single-use plastic! Fresh fruit and veg, cartons and maybe some homemade hummus. Oh and chocolate.

If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us?

Lucy: Home-made Spinach pie. Fruit salad for dessert. I am a simple cook, but a funny host!
Mathilde: Entrée of homemade plastic-free crackers and dip, mains of homemade pasta with cherry tomatoes and greens, and a desert that undoubtedly contains chocolate.

What’s the most boring question you are often asked?

Lucy: A common question from men: “Your trip sounds great, do you know how to kayak?”
Mathilde: Is your name short for Matilda?

If you could be a superhero for one day, what superpower would you choose and why?

Lucy: To be fluent all the languages of the world (speak, understand, read and write). It would be amazing to be able to communicate with everyone.
Mathilde: I would love to be able to live underwater, there’s just so much beauty down there, and so many unimaginable creatures that I’d like to have a tea party with.

Favourite sport’s team?

Lucy: The Cowboys – North Queensland rugby team.
Mathilde: I just don’t watch any sport.

Favourite film?

Lucy and Mathilde: Monty Python, Quest for the Holy Grail.

Favourite musical track?

Lucy: Moondance by Van Morrison.
Mathilde: Full Circle by Half Moon Run.

What three words would you use to describe you?

Lucy: Motivated, determined and enthusiastic.
Mathilde: Energetic, positive and perseverant.

Any final shout outs?

Lucy: Mum for believing in me, my outdoor education teachers who taught me how to be adventurous and every single person who has told me I can do it and helped me get to this point.
Mathilde: My mum and dad for bringing me up surrounded by nature, friends and family for believing in me and my partner Dan for being so supportive throughout all the planning and training.