Who are we?

At Whio Canyoning School everything revolves around canyoning. We help you take your first steps in the sport, refine your technique and head into canyons independently, as a canyoneer or as a guide. With confidence, knowledge and fun.

You learn canyoning best by doing it yourself, asking questions and building experience. That is why we combine solid courses and training with enthusiastic instructors, lots of practice and a good dose of passion. Whether you are taking your first course, want to improve your technique or are heading towards guiding: you are in the right place.

The whio, also known as the blue duck, lives only in New Zealand. It makes its home in clear, fast-flowing rivers and is built for white water: with its strong legs and broad webbed feet it moves effortlessly through rapids.

Sadly, the whio is an endangered species. Predators and changes to its habitat put it under pressure. Protecting the whio also means protecting the wild, clean rivers it lives in.

For us the whio is extra special. Much of our team has lived, worked, guided and travelled in New Zealand, and spent a lot of time in exactly the rivers and canyons the whio calls home. It stands for the adventure, nature and freedom we value so much. With our name we show that bond with New Zealand, and ask a little attention for this remarkable bird. Because without healthy rivers there is no whio, and no beautiful canyons either.

A group of canyoning enthusiasts, each with their own strengths, and with one shared passion: helping people become better canyoneers.

Pepijn works full-time as a canyoning guide, in Europe and New Zealand. His passion for the sport and his joy in sharing knowledge were the reason he started Whio Canyoning School. In his courses he not only teaches you new techniques, he above all wants you to understand why you do something.

When he is not in a canyon, he is probably on his bike, bikepacking, surfing or running, or training for a triathlon. If you see a blue camper van, he is nearby. In the canyon these days he gets most excited about plenty of water or a remote expedition.

Thomas was once the youngest guide in the Canigou Outdoor team and is now a mainstay of Whio Canyoning School. In a short time he has gained a huge amount of experience. With his down-to-earth approach and his feel for teaching, he explains technical skills clearly and understandably. Take a course with Thomas and you go home with plenty of new knowledge and skills.

Lieke loves exciting slides and jumps, and is happiest when she is active in the canyon. She has been a qualified canyoning guide for some time and helps out on our courses. She brings plenty of Brabant warmth, but make no mistake: with her research into risks in canyoning she also keeps the team sharp. Adventure and critical thinking go hand in hand with Lieke.

Anouk has been canyoning since she was five. Not because she is so old, but because she started early. She has gained loads of experience in Europe and in New Zealand, where she also worked. She is now training as an instructor and assists on our courses. There is a good chance you will also meet her on your canyoning holiday.

Fun, a tight schedule and hard work: that is Janna. As a guide in training she is fully involved and gains more and more experience in the canyon. As we write this, we already know we will soon have to update this text, because Janna is well on her way to her guide exam. To be continued!

Britt is a canyoning guide and an important force behind the scenes of Whio Canyoning School. Spontaneous, funny and always great company. She also works for Flow Reizen, accompanying people with disabilities on trips so they have an unforgettable holiday. Adventure, organising and making sure everyone can take part: that is Britt.