Trueman returns from lap of Australia

Feeling a little worse for wear but arriving with a smile on his face, sea kayaker Stuart Trueman crossed the threshold into Broome last week and became the third person to complete a solo circumnavigation around Australia.

Mr Trueman said he was “relieved” to be back on land since he departed from Broome last April to embark on a journey of a lifetime, and had came full circle as he reached Gantheaume Point last week.

Describing life over the last 12 months as “hard”, he said he also felt a sense of disappointment that the journey was over.

A selfconfessed outdoor challenger, he said his decision to travel around the Australia was born out of a longterm passion for kayaking.

“I enjoy challenging myself outdoors and I’ve always been curious to know if I could make a trip last a year,” he said.

During his adventure, Mr Trueman headed to Perth from Broome, and travelled around the country with stops including the Great Australian Bight, Adelaide, Sydney, Byron Bay and Darwin.

Along the way, he faced many challenges, including paddling in dangerous areas, keeping mentally fit, and a continual threat of crocodiles and sharks.

Mr Trueman said maintenance of a daily routine played a notable part in completing the arduous journey.

“Sometimes I’d arrive on land and I’d be so tired but I stuck to my tasks and that kept things ticking over,” he said.

A typical day had Mr Trueman awake at dawn, to eat breakfast, hit the water by 7am, and paddle for some seven hours.

Onshore, he focused on finding food and shelter.

He said he missed his family the most and, unusually, a chair.

Despite his success, Mr Trueman described his journey as more of an “experience” than an achievement.

He said he was apprehensive about advising others to undertake the task. “They would have to have the experience – it’s not a trip anyone can do,” he said.