>> You studied Ecotourism in Dalarna, Sweden, how have you applied what you learnt there in your career?
Devoting 2 years of my life to outdoor studies is one of the best things I've done because it led me in the direction of inspiration, excitement and self development. Learning new skills in an area that I had only briefly touched in my previous life was extremely rewarding in so many ways. We got the chance to explore so many different elements of the outdoors. It was almost like a smorgasbord where we go to try telemark skiing, river kayaking, horseback riding, canoeing, trekking, bivvying in proper winter conditons, ice climbing, mountain navigation etc. But I also learnt a lot about flora and fauna, team building, German, English, book keeping and how to run a business. We also did 27 weeks of internship, which gave us insights into the world of adventure and tourism. Being able to work with a wide variety of people no matter background, age and personality in such a tight and sometimes pretty harsh conditions gave me great perspectives on how to be part of a group but also being able to take the lead when that was my task.
It also opened the door to sea kayaking and rock climbing that have become two of my favourite things to do in the outdoors.
>> Kayaking has been a big part of your life, what attracted you to it and does it give you a different perspective on the world as opposed to land-based activities?
Kayaking is such an amazing sport because it gives me so many different kind of experiences. On a flat calm sea it's pure mediation. My heartbeat slows down, my mind relaxes and my body is working automatically without any effort. In rough conditions, in big sea state I'm activating every single little brain cell and all my muscles to work hard and be precise. It's fun but can also be extremely intimidating. I grew up next to the sea and I loved being in the water already when I was a kid, swimming, doing tricks, staying under water for as long as I could, diving etc. It's an element I know but it can also scare me to my core. I guess that's what is so attracting.