Becky Mason
Following in the footsteps of her father, Bill Mason, Becky Mason has become a knowledgeable and respected figure in the canoeing world and an accomplished artist. Campgirlz was honored and excited when Becky agreed to do an interview for the website. In addition to her paddling and tripping expertise, she offers some thought-provoking comments on wilderness and living life. Becky lives in and also has a studio in Chelsea, Quebec, Canada. She paints watercolor on Japanese paper. At the end of the interview are some links to more information about Becky and some background on her Dad.
Campgirlz: What age did you first begin to camp and canoe?
Becky: I know I was taken as a baby, but my first memory is probably when I was six years old. I began white water at eleven years old.
Campgirlz: What other outdoor activities did you enjoy as a kid and as an adult?
Becky: My Dad had a hockey rink by our house. I loved to play hockey and broom ball. If you start outdoor activities young, you appreciate them. As an adult, I still play hockey now. We have friends come over and play all winter. I also love to trail ski. We have a huge park here and you can ski all day and not see a house. It is 100s of miles of trails. We have pink granite cliffs here and I like to ski to the look-outs.
I also shovel the driveway, pile wood, and move stuff. It is good to do active things not just for pleasure. You’re always fit, because you’re always doing things. I like to incorporate work into play. Use less gas, less carbon. You get a great sense of accomplishment, even things that are not always fun. Canoe tripping is like that, also.
Campgirlz: What is your favorite spot to canoe and why?
Becky: The North Shore of Superior, near Sault Ste. Marie. I try to go there every couple of years. My Dad filmed there. And, we scattered his ashes in this spot. The area is full of rivers flowing into Superior. Canoeing through rivers to lakes makes me pretty happy.
Campgirlz: Do you prefer solo tripping or going out with groups?
Becky: Both. I have a wonderful husband, and I really enjoy his company. We take tandem trips, which is similar to soloing. Just him and I. Of course, you have to be more careful running rapids when you are not with a group.
Campgirlz: What type of paddling do you enjoy?
Becky: I consider myself a ‘traditionalist’; wilderness tripping. To use the canoe to paddle around a lake or down a river.
Campgirlz: Do you paint on your trips or when you get home?
Becky: I don’t paint while I am out on trips. I paint all my memories.
Campgirlz: Becky is accomplished guide and teacher. I wondered if she ever felt she was treated differently because she was a woman.
Becky: I would say it is hardly an issue now. When I was younger, guiding white water, I was very skilled, very trained. The head guide. People sometimes would question me, and not the male guides. You always had to prove yourself. Now, men and women seek me out for instruction. They have done studies on women in power, and it is actually proven by research that women take more into account before they act than men. This makes us good teachers.
Campgirlz: What do you like best about teaching?
Becky: Seeing the excitement in student’s eyes.
Campgirlz: Is there something you are proud of accomplishing over the years? Something that stands out?
Becky: I have had some lovely accolades over the years, but that doesn’t make me any more special.It makes me feel good when I receive recognition from my peers. It is an honor to be looked up to by younger people; to be asked for guidance. I still look up to several of my peers and remember that feeling. It’s fun.
Campgirlz: Do you have a special memory of your Dad?
Becky: Yes, going on the Petawawa River in Algonquin Park. We went on a week and half long painting trip together. I was in my early twenties.
Mason family canoeing
Campgirlz: What does wilderness mean to you?
Becky: Well, wilderness means so many things to so many people. I value wilderness. I value areas where there is no walkways, no patrols, little rules. What wilderness means to me, is the places that I cannot even access. Maybe only one or two people have ever been there. The core of my belief is valuing these places. Just knowing they are there.
Campgirlz: What would you say to girls or women who are starting to camp or canoe?
Becky: Get instruction first. Learn the craft and why you do the things you do. Education is a very good thing. It makes the activity enjoyable and safe. Make sure you know the laws and safety equipment. For example, in Canada, you have to have PFDs, 50 foot of floating throw rope, a whistle, paddle, bailer, a 360 light. Learn the signals for help and how to save yourself. Research where you are going. Self-sufficiency comes with knowledge. Enjoy yourself while learning skills. Start slow-an hour adventure in a little pond. Educate yourself as you go; as you build on your trips.
Campgirlz: Any closing comments?
Becky: Canada is a drastically changing place. You even hear of trips advertised as ‘the last one’, such as the last trip to see glaciers before they melt; the last trip on a river before it is dammed. We need to show people why wilderness is important. Join your local clubs. They are out there. We need to show that we do care. If we all stay in our own little worlds, our voices won’t be heard.
Becky: http://www.redcanoes.ca/becky/art/index.html
Bill: http://www.redcanoes.ca/bill/index.html
Thanks, Becky! I really enjoyed the interview and the insights. I am one of those people (although I am not young!) that look up to you. 
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