PAUL’S HERO: NOORA

Facing fears and underwater monsters

Noora Peteri is a polar guide working in Antarctica, Svalbard and Lapland. She is passionate about overcoming her fears and pushing her limits. What is it that keeps her going and how does Paul Berg fit into her busy schedule?

People like you, who don’t work the typical nine-to-five office job during weekdays, are rare. Have you always felt that a routine job wouldn’t suit you or has this path been more of a coincidence?

Most likely a bit of both. I’ve been working since I was very young. I’ve always been open to doing many kinds of jobs, but they’ve mostly involved active or physical work. Sitting in front of a computer sounds like a nightmare to me, and I’m terrible with computers. So maybe it is my restless mind and feet that got me where I am now.

How does your year currently look: kayak instructor in Antarctica for four months, the same in Svalbard for another four months, and three to four months of free time in the summer spent travelling, hiking, and relaxing at home in Northern Finland?

Something like that, yes. This schedule is perfect for me because it helps me maintain my focus and energy levels, as the workdays onboard are long and there are no days off. When I’m not on the ship, I work as a snowmobile guide in Finnish Lapland and Svalbard.       

In the future, I plan to focus on my own company that I launched at the end of 2024 with my partner. We will be designing holidays in the Arctic with an emphasis on slow travel and eco-tourism, and we’ll personally host our guests. It’s something I’ve been dreaming about for years.

And yes, there is always time for holidays too. I put work aside and focus on being there for my family and do some private adventures for at least three to four months each year.

The northern and southern poles are quite familiar to you. If I’m not mistaken, you’ve also travelled to Iceland and Greenland? Among the cold and wild regions, it seems that Canada might still be unexplored for you. What other destinations interest you?

Yes, that’s very true. I had a quick visit to the Canadian Arctic last summer, but I definitely want to see more. In general, the Arctic just keeps me hooked because there is so much to explore. Arctic is vast, and we have so many different Arctics to discover. I think that’s where my main focus is right now.     

Sometimes I wonder if I should give warmer destinations a chance too. The Galapagos Islands are on the top of that list. I was in South Africa last spring, and I definitely want to return. There are so many places to go. I’ll definitely continue exploring the Arctic and sharing my passion with my guests there but for private holidays, Patagonia, the Galapagos, and Japan are on my wish list.

Do you make long-term plans for work and travel? Have you already planned your next exciting job?

I would say that I’m a very work-oriented person. My job is a big part of my identity, and I love what I do. I usually have a rough idea of the coming one to two years, but I don’t like to plan too far ahead.

Paul’s heroes are ordinary people who step out of their comfort zones and overcome their own limits. I understand that befriending water through swimming, winter swimming, and kayaking meant stepping out of your comfort zone about five to seven years ago. Has water become more familiar to you over time, and do you now feel like a fish in water?

That is very true. I don’t know if I dare say I’m like a fish in water, but I certainly feel comfortable and at peace when I’m in water. There is something very calming about it, although deep waters still give me the chills if I think about them too much. It’s just the fear of the unknown. And all the monsters down there, haha! But I’m the kind of person who likes to face their fears, so I’m sure I’ll keep pushing my limits with water.

Do you have any other internal challenges or personal growth goals you plan to tackle?

Probably the biggest challenge is figuring out who I am. It sounds like a cliché, but it’s the truth. It’s most likely a never-ending process.

Last year, I realised that I’m a huge people pleaser and I have, perhaps, never fully been myself. I’ve always been thinking about others first, never wanting to disappoint anyone and fearing that someone might not like me. It has taken almost thirty years to realize that it is very energy-draining and that it is impossible to be liked by everyone. I am forever grateful to my partner, Sebastian, for helping me understand this.

Have you ever experienced a moment – perhaps while hiking in nature or gliding in a boat – where you thought: “I wish I could capture this moment in my mind because how happy I feel”?

Allll the time!! And I know that no picture can ever truly capture that feeling or the surrounding scenery. But that’s probably the best part as well. It’s those exact feelings that drive me to do what I do. Nature is the best drug.

Do you have a motto that keeps you moving forward?

There is one saying I love, although I wouldn’t call it my motto: “What you don’t change, you choose.” Changes can be scary, but if nothing changes, nothing changes. But what keeps me moving forward is simply being curious about life and wanting to learn. I also want to inspire others to be brave and do things that might be a tiny bit scary. Facing our fears is the only way to grow.

How has Paul Berg fit into your life and how has he helped you in your pursuits?           

Paul Berg has been an amazing help pushing me to do more outdoor swimming by taking one excuse off the list! No bad weather with the robe! Also, all the support and kind words from you guys have meant so much to me. They’ve made me believe in myself more and even see myself as a hero too!

If you want to learn more about Noora’s activities, visit her Instagram by clicking here: @noora_amanda

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