Sebastiaan – Dan Helder, Netherlands
First off, ten quick questions with a why behind the answer or in this case twelve questions.
Knife or axe
– I like fire. Fire needs wood. Therefore, I say axe. Let’s chop some wood.
Mountainview or Seaview
– Definitely sea view. I love the sea; I see the sea as the source of life and the lapping water always gives me peace. However, the mountains are always calling.
Daytrip or spending the night
– At night, something magical always happens in the dark. Cozy by the fire, a nice whisky, and good conversations. Wonderful.
Coffee or tea
– (Good) coffee in the morning, and tea later in the day. I used to be able to drink coffee all day long, but my stomach can’t handle it as much these days (I’m getting older too).
Early bird or night owl?
– Definitely a night owl. The stars, the moon, the howling of wolves. Would not miss it for the world.
Journey by trail or off-trail
– Off trail. It is when you get lost that the real adventures happen.
Tent or hammock
– Hammock for a short powernap. Tent for a good night sleep; in the woods or in the mountains. There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad equipment.
Book or movie
– Book for sure. A movie takes away all your imagination.
Hot Springs or Cold Plunge Pool?
– Can I choose both?
Canoe or Kayak?
– I live near the sea. It’s great to kayak across the sea to a small island nearby.
Meadow or Forest?
– The forest, with all its creatures.
Firesteel or storm lighter
– If you want to keep it old school; fire-steel, but a good storm-lighter always comes in handy.
Biggest lesson learned being outdoors so far?
– Appreciate nature and all life. Only then will you realize how vulnerable and insignificant you really are as an individual. The world will continue without you.
What do you have going on and going forward?
– In 2025 I want to free dive from the mainland of Den Helder (The Netherlands) to the island of Texel. As the crow flies 2.5 kilometers, but because of the current it is still about 6 kilometers. This will be one of my most extreme challenges ever.
Favorite season of the year being outdoors?
– Summer for running and freediving, winter for hiking and all other adventures. It’s not a good winter until there’s snow in my beard.
What recent experience do you want to share?
– In 2023 I was diagnosed with adrenal cortex cancer. Fortunately, things are going well so far under the circumstances, but it does teach you to appreciate life even more and enjoy every adventure you experience even more.
If you could leave for one destination anywhere in the world tomorrow, for you to explore. Where and why?
– Antarctica, without a doubt. Following in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton. The white landscape, the cold, the vast plains; there’s something about it.
