Rated ★★★★★ by our Primal participants
WHERE WILDERNESS SURVIVAL MEETS PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION
Through wilderness immersion, survival skills, and mens transformational experiences, I help people reconnect with their authentic selves and live with greater purpose, confidence, and intention.
FEATURED ON
WHAT WE OFFER
Based in Central Oregon, Primal Skills Academy offers wilderness survival training, hunting skills, and nature-based personal development experiences.
We offer international Hadza hunter gatherer tours and African wildlife safari’s
Our programs are open to a variety of ages and genders.
Founded in 2016 as an outdoor education school, we have expanded to include nature-based men's work and personal growth experiences.
We believe that nature immersion, spirituality, and intentional challenge are powerful catalysts for healing, self-discovery, and inner peace.
Our experiences are designed for those who want to:
Learn practical wilderness and hunting skills
Reconnect with nature
Break through limiting patterns
Gain clarity and direction
Discover a stronger sense of purpose
We provide immersive experiences that help individuals move forward with greater confidence, intention, authenticity, and personal empowerment.
“I DON’T KNOW WHERE I AM GOING, BUT I KNOW EXACTLY HOW TO GET THERE”
— Boyd Varty: A Lion tracker's guide to lifeIS THIS FOR ME?
This work is simply about becoming more grounded, self aware and authentic through courageous self exploration. I created this space for men who feel that same pull toward something deeper, honest, and real.
What makes this work unique is the integration of wilderness challenge, nature connection, spirituality, self-discovery, and authentic human connection. Rather than offering answers, I provide a space and framework for you to develop greater self-awareness, reconnect with your authentic self, and move forward with greater clarity, purpose, and intention.
It is an honor to share what I have learned and walk alongside others on their journey of growth and transformation.
Meet your guide: Joel van der Loon
why I walk this path…
My lifestyle and belief is rooted in energy work and spirituality. I traveled the world for 14 years, learned from the Hadza hunter-gatherer culture in Africa, trained in combat sports to confront fear directly, spent 40 days alone in the wilderness on the television series Alone, and dedicated myself to meditation, shamanic drumming, and psychedelic medicines as tools for self-inquiry and expanded awareness. Nature has always been my teacher, my medicine and my church.
I am a certified spiritual life coach, however my greatest lessons came not through study or theory, but through personal loss, divorce, and confronting the stories that were shaping my life. I realized I wasn’t truly seeking adventure as much as truth—stripping away distraction and going within to better understand my mind, body, emotions, and spirit. I craved to feel more connected and regulated when surrounding by chaos.
Through these experiences I find myself a more surrendered, joyful, and purposeful man.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT US
“Joel’s method of instruction is clear and concise. You get the most amount of knowledge in the least amount of words. I highly value that as a United States Marine and an instructor myself.”
—Brian Wood
San Diego, CA
“Joels teaching style is patient, precise, and deeply grounded-He has a rare ability to translate years of real-world experience into lessons that stick.
—Jeff Stratman
Sisters, OR
“What stands out most is Joel’s ability to meet people wherever they’re at. Whether you are brand new or already experienced, he knows how to teach in a way that actually sticks.
—Bijan Taherkhan.
Bend, OR
“Any man seeking a heart centered transformative experience in the natural world, definitely sign up for one of Joel’s gatherings”
—JesseGardner .
Portland, OR