In May 2024, I led a small team deep into Suriname’s untouched jungle. Our goal: complete the first full Suriname kayak expedition from the Coppename River's source to the Atlantic Ocean.

Over 37 days and 600 kilometers, we battled heat, exhaustion, venomous wildlife, and complete isolation. We went over a month without seeing another human. We encountered jaguars, caimans, electric eels, and hauled kayaks through dense jungle at just 600 meters per day.

We made it. Wet, tired, but proud.
This expedition tested mindset, equipment, and what it means to endure.

When everything around you is unpredictable, small rituals create stability.
Making a daily cup of No Normal Coffee became more than a caffeine boost. It was a reminder of home, of normal life, of clarity.

That short moment helped us reset each morning. Even in the most remote parts of the Suriname kayak expedition, it kept us mentally grounded.

I thought I knew how far I could push myself. I trained hard. I planned well. I still hit a wall.

There were days when I was broken. Exhausted. Hungry. Sore. Mentally gone.
But I kept moving. Something inside took over. Not energy, but resolve.

The Suriname kayak expedition showed me that most limits are mental. When I stopped doubting myself and just kept going, I found more strength than I thought possible.

In the jungle, bad gear leads to problems.
Good gear saves time, energy, and keeps you safe.

My hammock kept me dry and away from biting insects. My machete was essential. And No Normal Coffee paste tubes were perfect. No boiling, no prep, just strong coffee, fast.

On the Suriname kayak expedition, gear wasn’t a luxury. It was part of the plan.

The jungle is massive. The effort is constant. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

But small wins matter. Finding a good camp spot. Catching a fish. Seeing rare animals. These small moments kept us moving and gave us something to smile about.

Every time we noticed progress, no matter how small, we felt recharged. That mindset carried us through the hardest parts of the Suriname kayak expedition.

As a small team alone in the dense Suriname jungle, stripped away all distractions and noise of modern life. It forced us all to reconnect with our primal self -simple, raw, and present. Without the usual hustle, I had space to reflect deeply on who I am and what truly matters to me.

The level of appreciation you gain for simple things, which so many of us often take for granted, is greatly amplified after so long in such a challenging environment. An abundance and ready access to food, a clean warm bed, and transportation that doesn’t involve physical effort! It also made me profoundly grateful for the people in my life—the friends, family, and mentors who support me, even from thousands of miles away.

Sometimes, the greatest journeys happen within, and the jungle reminded me how important it is to pause, reflect, and carry gratitude in every step forward no matter which journey you are currently on in life.