2nd Year Returning Guide
Frewin Hermer, one of our spectacular second year guides for O.O., was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and moved to the states when he was young. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, he waited in anticipation for each summer, which he spent in the San Juans at camp, first as a camper but later as a sea kayak instructor. It was during these summers that Frewin fell in love with the magic of the San Juans. Whether it was watching an amazing sunset at the water trail site on Jones Island, or seeing a “super pod” (when the three pods J, K L come together to create a grouping of 90 plus whales). The islands are where he feels most connected with the natural world and himself.
Frwin graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in Outdoor Recreation and spent the next seven years working for Outward Bound as a kayak instructor in the Bahamas and Outer Banks. He also worked as Assistant Program Director for the Boojum Institute in Joshua Tree working experimental education climbing, backing, and sea kayaking trips with inner city kids from Southern California.
Currently, Frewin is finishing a master’s degree in counseling at Antioch University and working towards a license as a child and family therapist. These summers working for O.O. is his “vacation” and chance to get away and take a break from being a therapist, giving him the opportunity to simplify life, meet great people, and enjoy another summer in the islands…
