Guide by Giant: Go, Audrey Sutherland, Go

Audrey Sutherland was basically the OG solo adventurer. She’d go on the wildest trips, all by herself, and absolutely crush it. This article’s about her crazy life, her sickest adventures, and why she’s still a total inspiration

Early Life and Background

Audrey Helen Schufeldt was born on February 11, 1921, in Canoga Park, California. She’d spend her summers at this awesome cabin her dad built in the San Bernardino Mountains. It’s where she really started to appreciate the outdoors. In her book Paddling My Own Canoe, she vividly describes these formative experiences: “I stalked deer at dusk and fireflies at night, ran wet and exultant in cloudbursts and thunderstorms”. After graduating from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a degree in international relations, she worked as a riveter during World War II and later married John Lauren Sutherland, a Coast Guard officer. The couple moved to Hawaii in 1952, where Audrey began to embrace her love for the ocean and adventure.

Pioneering Solo Adventures

Sutherland’s philosophy, ‘Go simple, go solo, go now,’ was the driving force behind her many solo adventures. One of her first significant feats involved swimming along the rugged northern coast of Molokai while towing an inflatable kayak filled with supplies3. This innovative technique enabled her to access remote areas while carrying significantly more equipment than she could while swimming alone.

In 1980, at the age of 60, Sutherland undertook an ambitious solo journey from Ketchikan to Skagway in Alaska. Over 850 miles, she navigated challenging waters and encountered diverse wildlife, including bears and whales2. Her determination was evident when she resigned from her job after being denied leave for this journey, stating, “Sometimes you have to go ahead and do the most important things”.4

Notable Expeditions

Sutherland’s adventures were not just physical challenges; they were also deeply personal journeys. Her first major expedition along Molokai’s coast in 1962 is chronicled in Paddling My Own Canoe, where she recounts swimming while towing an inflatable kayak filled with camping gear 2. This trip marked the beginning of her lifelong commitment to solo exploration.

Her subsequent journey along the Inside Passage from Alaska became legendary. Between 1980 and 2003, Sutherland paddled over 8,075 miles alone, documenting her experiences in Paddling North, published in 2012 13. These journeys not only showcased her skills as a paddler but also highlighted her resilience and passion for adventure.

Publications by Audrey Sutherland

Audrey Sutherland authored several influential books that inspired countless adventurers. Her first book, Paddling My Own Canoe (1978), was a total game-changer. It’s about her time on Molokai and is like, the bible of environmental lit5. In Paddling Hawaii, she gives the lowdown on the best kayaking spots and skills in the islands.

Later, she wrote Paddling North, a book about her insane trips through Alaska. It’s super inspiring, and it’s all about freedom, self-discovery, and finding your own adventure.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Sutherland wasn’t just a writer; she was also a total badass teacher at the University of Hawaii. She got her students stoked on the outdoors, even making them spend nights on remote islands! One of her students even started the Hui Wa’a Kaukahi Kayak Club of Hawaii, which is still going strong today.

Philosophy and Approach to Adventure

Audrey Sutherland’s philosophy centered around simplicity and independence. She believed that traveling alone allowed for deeper connections with nature: “It’s so much simpler alone… you can stop and look at something; learn a flower or watch an animal” 14. This mindset not only guided her adventures but also served as an inspiration for others seeking their paths in life.

Recognition and Legacy

Sutherland received numerous accolades throughout her life for her contributions to adventure travel and literature. Her legacy lives on through updated editions of her books published by Patagonia after her passing in February 2015 at age 94. Today, she is celebrated as a trailblazer who opened doors for women in outdoor sports.