AWI RABELISTA NIJHOF

Awi is a recognized expedition leader and wilderness survival specialist known for his international experience gained from dozen expeditions in remote wilderness environments. From the mountainous jungles, to the desolate Arctic, and scorching deserts, Awi loves spending time in the great outdoors. He has explored hidden corners of the wilderness in Namibia, Botswana, Yemen, Brasil, Argentina, China, The Philippines, Scotland, Sweden, Norway, Svalbard and other parts of Europe.

His outdoor journey began as a child in the Philippines, where he explored jungles near his families home. At a young age, he moved with his Dutch father and Philippine mother to the Netherlands. His skill set is developed from both indigenous cultures (including his own Philippine blood line) and modern (military) practices, making him a versatile outdoors man.

When travelling through remote wilderness, Awi uses his senses to connect deeply with the natural world and the landscape. This allows him to guide intuitively rather than only using modern technology.

“It’s easy to lose your senses and situational awareness in a map and compass. Many modern expedition leaders don’t truly connect with the landscape anymore, which is a shame, because moving through nature is more than just following linear lines or a fixed number on a compass.

The landscape we travel in has a rhythm and gives us signs. As vague as it may sounds: she vibrates and speaks her own language. Trees, moss, mushrooms, plants, insects and animals, they all interact with each other but it’s us humans that have lost the skill to intercept and understand these messages”.

– Awi

Apart from his wilderness survival skills, Awi is also a qualified skydiver, scuba diver, mountain leader, former competitive kickboxer, and wilderness first aid responder. He was also a cadet paracommando at the Special Operations Regiment (SOR) but got injured and couldn’t continue the training program.

Visit Berqana.com