The team below shares the Puffins’ lifestyle. Genuine enthusiasm and a passion for exploration is what brought us together. We share a sense for adventure and a curious spirit. In everything we do, we are driven by sustainability & safety. Together with our pioneering travellers we are
Puffins are funny seabirds breeding along remote wilderness coastline in the North Atlantic. Half the year, they travel out at sea. In their colonies, they are social and loyal.
The team below shares the Puffins’ lifestyle. Genuine enthusiasm and a passion for exploration is what brought us together. We share a sense for adventure and a curious spirit. In everything we do, we are driven by sustainability & safety. Together with our pioneering travellers we are
PUFFINS
Willem Vandoorne
(°1987)
Co-founder and lead wilderness guide of Puffins
Belgian, based in Ghent
Master in Geology/Earth science
Professionally shaped as geophysicist
Experienced hiking/packraft wilderness guide
Award-winning worldwide reference for long solo hiking/packrafting
traverses (Scandinavia, New Zealand, Greenland) and wilderness trip planning
Also wild about: (ultra)running and biking, cozy bars, stroking his roommate’s cat called Lou
Sofie Vanmaele
(°1983)
Co-founder and lead wilderness guide of Puffins
Belgian, based along the coast at Knokke
Master in International Relations & Diplomacy
Professionally shaped as researcher, negotiator & travel designer
Trained as Travel Guide, Mountain Leader & Wilderness Advanced First Aid
Experienced mountain walking guide in Scandinavia
Solo hike & bike projects in Norway, Finland, Sweden
Also wild about: ice swimming and gazing at campfires
Kris Wastiels
(°1973)
Belgian, based in Halle (Vlaams-Brabant)
Bachelor in Communications and Press
Professionally shaped as copy writer, communication expert and language lover
Miles of experience in mountain walking all over the world
(Europe, South America, Asia, Africa) and glacier walking in Europe
Experienced mountain walking guide in Europe and Kyrgyzstan
Trained as Travel Guide
Also wild about: Kyrgyzstan, ultra trail running,
GR (Grande Randonnée) trails and ice swimming
Rob Leye
(°1989)
Captain at Puffins
Belgian, based at Nieuwpoort
Bachelor of Science Maritime Operations
Professionally shaped as captain, sailing instructor & skiing instructor
Trained in ice pilotage, superyachts management, first aid at sea
Experienced captain in Alaska, sailing in the North Sea, the Baltic and the Mediterranean
Participated in the Tall Ships’ races for over a decade
Also wild about: chocolate mousse and colorful socks
Jan Martinus Stalmans
(°1985)
Skipper and deckhand at Puffins
Belgian, based in Malaga
Master in product design
Professionally shaped as business developer & service designer
Experienced skipper aboard +60ft yachts
Participated in the Tall Ships’ races for over a decade
Thick as thieves with his buddy Rob
Also wild about: playing didgeridoo in the sauna
Puffins thanks the following dreamteam and expedition volunteers:
Jan Vandamme
Yacht preparation
Bruno Flamant
Food&bev preparation
Georges Heeren
Navigation preparation
Jan Vandamme
Yacht preparation
Bruno Flamant
Food&bev preparation
Georges Heeren
Navigation preparation
THE BIRD IS THE WORD
