Jill Brown is a rising star on the kayak/canoe/hiking expedition scene. Born and raised in Ontario, she took her vast skill set to Canada's West Coast to push the boundaries of the BC backcountry. Never one to say no to a challenge, she has done solo packrafting trips in the Yukon, wilderness kayak trips in Ontario's rugged and untamed Northwest and tackled the mighty Colorado in a tandem kayak through the Grand Canyon. We are all big fans and we are lucky to have had the chance to work with Jill.
Born and raised in Ontario, What lead you on all of these amazing adventures?
Growing up on Coney Island on Lake of the Woods, I was always off having adventures. Whether catching turtles from my kayak in the near by marsh, or tracking deer and bear through the woods that surrounded our cabin. This is where my passion for adventure was derived from. Accompanied by my passion for photography, I have been able to blend the two in the past few years. Reconnected back with the water, the wild, my camera and sense of spontaneity after a 77 day cross Canada trip. I returned to Squamish, BC with a new sense of determination to explore. Never turning down an adventure when placed in front of me.
Sea kayaking or whitewater?
When it comes to the type of paddling I enjoy most I have to say both are even for different reasons. Sea kayaking allows me to capture every moment with my cameras accessible and capable of being out. Allowing me to take others along on my adventures more freely with my imagery. Whitewater though, allows me to connect with my adrenaline. It also opens up many places others have not visited, let alone with cameras along. I feel more in touch with nature as the spray of a pounding river hits my face, a river’s shores with the tracks of the wilds only inhabitants strewn about. Where as sea kayaking, I feel freer, the world is open to explore.
How have you turned your passion for paddling into a career?
I am one of the lucky few in this world, who has a passion that is able to make a career and lifestyle out of. Not just that, but it creates endless opportunities for every possible adventure and passion I could have. Putting my Photography and paddling together has opened up many doors, mainly because most photographers are not willing to risk the gear, hard to find a person skilled in both, and willing to go out on a whim and hope they can capture those hidden moments among the waves. Really, it’s through a lot of hard work and determination though. Having the drive to try and not just think it isn’t possible and never turning down an opportunity and making sure to always having the camera along to document.
What future projects are you working on?
This Spring, I, with the company of long distance canoeist Martin Trahan, will embark on an incredible 7 month journey. Beginning in the Pacific Ocean south of Seattle, we will paddle up against the Columbia River, Portage 600 kilometers through the Rockies, and then continue eastward to St.louis, retracing the paddle strokes of famous explorers Lewis and Clark. From St. Louis we head southwards to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, The final destination is the tip of the Florida Keys. More people have walked on the moon than achieved this cross country, 7,000 kilometer plus journey.
THE EXPEDITION: Excerpt from coursingthroughamerica.com
From April to November of 2018, two Canadian adventures aims to paddle an open canoe across America; from the Pacific Ocean just south of Seattle to the Atlantic Ocean at the tip of Florida. As you can imagine, this trip will take a grueling 220 days to complete the 4750 miles from coast to coast. This is the expedition of a lifetime. Inspired by Verlen Kruger and Karl Adams, the team will travel across United States of America from the northwest coast to the Southeast coast in less than a year. This adventure will take the team across America’s natural waters to pursue their dream of discovery, understanding and consciousness of the world around them. This incredible seven-month journey will empower the participants to engage in a close relationship with nature while retracing the legendary explorations of many historical voyageurs such as Lewis and Clark, Louis Jolliet, Jacques Marquette as well as follow the traces of America’s First Nations.
Otherwise, I am always on the lookout for new projects and goals. A big fingers crossed for a Russian expedition in the next couple of years. Other future projects include: Paddling the English River in Northwestern Ontario, finishing a goal of summiting the highest peak in South Western BC, Skihist Mountain, after my last attempt was thwarted by Mother Nature. Cascade Inlet and the mountains that surround it, is another project in the works. My mind is always racing with ideas. I hear of a river or area that few have seen or explored and I am drawn to it, to share its beauty with the world. I am, as well continuously being presented with projects and ideas and team ups with numerous other adventure seekers, to which I am always excited for!
What does it mean to be a women influencer in the adventure sports industry?
Honestly, overwhelming to have so many other women, both young and old telling me how inspired they are from following my adventures. I shouldn’t really single out women when it comes to this, as the most beautiful thing is the encouragement I receive from men in such a male dominant industry. This industry is incredibly difficult to break into for both men and women. I do my best to be all inclusive. Capturing both grit and beauty has always been my goal. To be influencing others, whether women or men, to get out and follow their passions, connect with the wild, paddle, fulfill our natural instinct to explore and experience the peace that even the biggest of creatures can bring to you is truly the passion behind everything I do.