How Pau Hana and Sean Jansen Teamed Up for an Epic Paddleboarding Expedition and Environmental Advocacy
Some people spend their lives dreaming of adventure, while others dive headfirst into it. Sean Jansen belongs firmly in the latter category. A freelance writer and seasonal wilderness guide in Yellowstone National Park, Sean’s life is a study in intensity, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of the raw and wild.
Through his unique journey, Sean has become not just an adventurer but a storyteller, conservationist, and seeker of untouched horizons. His path is as unconventional as it is inspiring—a reminder that life doesn’t have to follow a set script.
Living the Off-Season
For most of us, an “off-season” implies downtime, but for Sean, it’s the opposite. When he’s not guiding visitors through Yellowstone’s stunning backcountry, Sean throws himself into extraordinary pursuits:
- Thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, covering over 2,600 miles of rugged wilderness.
- Standup paddling down the Baja Peninsula, a grueling 1,000+ mile journey filled with challenges both physical and mental.
- Exploring trout streams with a fly rod in hand, constantly chasing that perfect cast.
- Training for ultra-marathons, pushing his body and mind to new limits.
- Scouring coastlines for unsurfed waves, embracing the thrill of the unknown.
This lifestyle is grounded in a deep love for the wild—its unpredictability, its beauty, and the lessons it offers to those willing to engage fully with it.
A Journey of Transformation
Sean’s connection to nature wasn’t always this profound. His path to wilderness immersion began with a personal battle: recovery from alcoholism. Through that journey, he found solace and clarity in the outdoors. Trading traditional stability for a life on the road, he moved into a van and set off in search of something greater—freedom, adventure, and purpose.
For Sean, nature isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a catalyst for transformation. It’s where he finds clarity, connection, and inspiration, both for his expeditions and his writing.
Writing as a Force for Conservation
As a writer, Sean doesn’t just recount his adventures—he reflects on how outdoor recreation intersects with the need for environmental preservation. His new book, Paddling with Porpoise, chronicles his Baja paddling expedition, weaving stories of hardship and triumph with poignant insights into conservation.
Sean’s work reminds us that exploring the wilderness also comes with a responsibility to protect it. His pen becomes a tool for advocacy, inviting readers to consider how they can give back to the landscapes they love.
Dancing with the Raw Frequencies
Sean’s life philosophy seems to center around embracing the raw, unfiltered moments that challenge and change us. Whether it’s braving harsh conditions on a long-distance paddle, running ultra-marathons, or simply sitting by a stream with a fishing rod and notebook, he embodies a commitment to living fully.
His story is a testament to the power of wild places to heal, inspire, and transform. It’s a reminder that life’s richest experiences often lie just beyond our comfort zones, waiting for us to step forward with curiosity and courage.
If you’re craving inspiration to live more boldly, look no further than Sean Jansen’s extraordinary life. From the mountains of Yellowstone to the shores of Baja, his journey is a call to embrace the adventure waiting outside your door.
