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Our editor's opinion

Inspirations
September 8, 2010 10:22 AM	Like

At first we thought Eli Andersen was a bit crazy. Why would anyone attempt to paddle around Graham Island on a surfboard? But Mr. Andersen had a dream and the skills that enabled him to set out, and lo and behold, he succeeded. His experience - pitting one man against nature - could be likened to quests of old. The archetypal hero's journey has taken adventurers to the tops of mountains and into the belly of a whale. Haida oral history tells stories of men who have followed their wives into the underwater world to bring them back and those who have set out over the water to overcome supernatural beings.
Not only did Mr. Andersen want to complete the monumental task of laying on his belly on a 16-foot surfboard to paddle with outstretched arms around the northern half of our islands, but he built his beautiful vessel himself. Many would embark on a journey content to trust the fiberglass or kevlar of a known manufacturer. But the Oregon-raised Mr. Andersen chose wood - Sitka spruce and red cedar, known to be of this place - for his finely crafted surfboard. His first attempt at building a surfboard for the trip (made of California redwood) exploded as the air expanded inside, so he revised his plan, started again and continued on.
Adventures come in many forms and many choose to push themselves in more organized ways. Remember the Adventure Race? This endurance test brought hundreds here to kayak, bike and run their way around the islands. Local marathons, bike races and the upcoming Terry Fox run give islanders the chance to test themselves too, but there is something about a solo act that inspires not only incredulity, but awe.
Not to say that Mr. Andersen finished circling Graham Island all on his own. Sue and Jags Brown of Skidegate were instrumental contacts for him and leapt to the task of finding more people for him to talk with before he set out. Mr. Andersen set forth on that day back in July having met a kayaker who could advise him on the lay of the land and the currents of the sea; knowing that he had somewhere to stop in Tlell (these folk were important in helping him continue even with the formidable north winds blowing); and he had an in with the fishing lodges along the north and west coast where he'd be able to find respite on the hardest part of his trip.
But in the end, it was him alone on that board in the swells and waves. He found the beaches to sleep on, survived encounters with bears and came back in one piece so he could tell the tale.
In an age when so many sit on the couch, their ambitions only to hit the top score on the latest electronic game, we applaud Mr. Andersen. In a classic quest, the hero usually wants to attain something - his fortune and fame, the hand of a maiden, or simply the right to return home. We may never know Mr. Andersen's deepest motivations, but this young man seems humble and gracious enough that it's possible he did it for one of the noblest reasons - just to see if he could.
Congratulations to Mr. Andersen and to all of those who set themselves on a journey and persevere through to the end.