About Me Background

About Me

The power lies in the flow

Coach and kayaker, with a deep passion for both the river and people. With my experience in coaching and my love for the water, I guide others towards greater self-confidence, balance, and strength—both on the river and in life.

Hi, I'm Feli Aarsman.

Explore, experience, inspire, and trust

I moved to Wageningen to study Ecology and it was here that I first discovered a deep connection between people and nature: just like ecosystems, we rely on an interplay of internal and external factors. Our well-being is shaped by biological, psychological, and social layers, constantly interacting with each other.

Over the years, my focus shifted from academia to a growing passion for sport, movement, and lifestyle. I found balance by combining outdoor adventures in the mountains and on white-water rivers with indoor activities focused on fitness, body, and muscle control. My love for nature, movement, and human interaction led me to explore how we think, communicate, and behave, with a special emphasis on health and well-being. This journey ultimately inspired me to start coaching and guiding others both physically and mentally.

Feli Aarsman profile picture
Feli Aarsman kayak picture

Nature and human connection are at the core of everything I do. In the summer, I pass on my love for the outdoors as a white-water kayaking instructor in the mountains of Slovenia. In the winter, I coach individuals in the gym and teach group classes, sharing my passion for movement and vitality.

With over eight years of experience as a certified instructor, I’ve gained valuable insights into how people think, feel, and act. This strengthened my belief: with positive energy, we make the world stronger, happier, and more beautiful. To radiate that energy, it’s essential to be healthy, strong, and resilient. My mission is to inspire myself and others to embrace their strength and live life with vitality

My studies

My journey began with a university degree in science, where my interest in communication and human psychology first became apparent. I then developed my skills in coaching and training, both in extreme natural environments and in the gym. Over time, my focus expanded to include human behavior and its impact on lifestyle.

  • Bachelor of Science: Minor in Communication en Psychology
    Wageningen University, 2015
  • Allround outdoor instructor: Extreme sports
    Voshaar Outdoor & Education, 2019
  • Personal Trainer: Functional trainer & healthcoach
    Chivo: knowledge institute, 2020
  • Leefstijlcoach: BGN & KTNO accredited
    NHA, 2023

My work experience

With over 8 years of experience teaching both groups and individuals, I have learned and reflected a great deal. I’ve come to understand that everyone needs a unique approach to be properly motivated, enabling them to achieve their personal goals, both in sports and in daily life.

  • Boulder, Spinning and Fitness instructor
    Avalon Fitcentre: 2018 - 2022
  • Wild water kayak instructor
    Slovenië, 2020 - present
  • Personal trainer and Fitness instructor
    MyLife Healthclub: 2022 - present
  • Pilates, Spinning and XCORE instructor
    MyLife Healthclub: 2022 - present