The Island Adventurer, A Students Perspective

Whilst not the best known islands in the world, the Frisian Islands, commonly known as Wadden islands or Wadden Sea Islands provide the perfect setting for a survival experience.  The islands stretch from the north-west of the Netherlands through Germany to the west of Denmark. The term Frisian Islands originated as Frisian was the primary language spoken by the native population, who also identify as Frisian. The islands are environmentally protected areas and are also considered an international wildlife nature reserve. This reserve is synchronised across the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark. Natural gas and oil are abundant in the area and are one danger to the protection of the reserve. Additionally, ship traffic is another hurdle which is having an adverse effect on the wildlife, whilst the economic value can’t be ignored.

Living conditions on the islands are harsh due to high tides that often lead to flooding, which can be seen in the harshest island of Ameland. After officially coming under the rule of the Netherlands, the island of Ameland became a popular tourist resort for hardy survivalists, building their tourist trade around attracting tourist adventure groups. Even a 3 day trip can provide ample opportunity to hone survival techniques, pursuing an adventure requiring you to put your skills to the test, as well as learning and having fun.

Survival courses are the perfect way to make new friends, giving you the opportunity to learn about different cultures and lifestyles. When put in a survival situation with people you hardly know you form unforgettable bonds whilst learning how to build shelters and methods of contacting the outside world as practice for a real survival situation. By getting away to somewhere remote you have the opportunity to utilise skills you’d never be able in the city, such as starting fires, self-rescue techniques, as well as more lighthearted activities such as tug of war and blindfolded teamwork. As well as providing useful skills, developing camaraderie and getting out of the general hustle and bustle of the day to day grind, without even realising you’ll be building on your own self confidence.

Coupled with this is the chance for competition, driving you to put your best foot forwards and make the effort for others who are depending on you to win. Success and failure are celebrated in equal measure, developing you as an individual over the course of the trip. As a student this is vital in allowing you to become the best you possible as you mature into an adult.

Elite Survival have experienced trainers who can guide you in developing your skills and train you in a professional manner so that you master the techniques after practising them on a frequent basis. Such a thrilling trip can be a once in a life-time experience which you’ll hopefully hold with you forever. Whilst it was a welcome relief to return home, learning new skills and boosting your confidence will allow you to deal with difficulties in life in a mature and practical manner. Dealing with your problems in a sensible and realistic way is one quality that every student needs and is a prime attribute that one should possess.

After my trip I made a group of friends for life. By meeting like-minded people you coax each other out of your comfort zone during the expedition. I believe it’s incredibly important to keep exploring new places and new things and live life to the fullest.