Getting to know... Jake Hilton

An experienced guide with Wilderness Guides, Jake Hilton thrives on showcasing the stunning landscapes he calls home. When he’s not leading adventures, you’ll find him training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, diving into big ideas, or patting other peoples dogs.

At the weekend you’ll find me... Probably at work, as every day is a great day to show our guests the beautiful area we call home. On the days I’m not working, I like to spend time with friends, training Brazilian jiu-jitsu, recovering in the local pool and sauna, or resting at home with steak and chips for dinner. With a physical job being a walking and kayak guide, it is important to allow time for the body to rest.

I will never shut up about... Big topics like neuroscience, astronomy, geo-politics, or smaller things like white water kayaks and cool cars.

I’m a real nerd about... Dungeons & Dragons, having lead a year-long campaign for some friends and recently running a special two-day game for a friend’s birthday weekend. Just roll some dice and have a laugh with your friends – and maybe make some funny voices too!

As a child, I was really into... Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh, with card tournaments being common at our school. As I grew older, the guitar, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, or kayaking filled my evenings and weekends.

At a party you’ll find me... Floating around talking to everybody and anybody, or winding up the dog.

My real-life superpower is... ADD hyperfocus. Once I am set on completeing a series of tasks I can buzz away easily until the list is complete. It is important to break down larger tasks into a smaller steps to facilitate the steady dopamine release.

When I need advice I go to... Google or podcasts. Being able to listen to world-class experts for free online is a great opportunity to try and incorporate ideas from around the world. Close friends and family fill in the gaps when I need more specific advice, like our head guide, Alex.

My simple pleasures are... Other people’s dogs pulling on their lead to come over to me for attention, and their owners being okay with it.

The biggest risk I’ve ever taken... Getting into a speedboat during a tropical cyclone in Thailand, in the middle of the night. Not the best decision-making moment.

The person who knows me best are... My two friends from Scouts, Silas and Tom. I have known these guys for over 20 years now, and I had the honour of being best man at each of their weddings in the past couple years. We have travelled multiple countries together and always make each other laugh.

A family tradition I’ll never give up... Dinners together sat around the family table. It is an important part of the day, keeping everybody up to date and together.