As a male in my early thirties, I began seeking and discovering refuge in nature. It became a beautiful ongoing calling, but was limited to local trails and longer day hikes. I was intrigued and eager as I was invited on my first backpacking trip, a two night/three day journey approximately ten miles into the Los Padres wilderness. Antonio Mazzola is not only someone I am proud to call a friend, but is a confidant, a healer, a true space holder, and leader. He was able to provide a vast array of expansive knowledge, not only about nature and survival aspects thereof, but also in depth conversation in regard to my own personal growth, new ways to self reflect and unlock a deeper inner awareness. I am forever grateful to Antonio for providing the expertise and guidance that enabled me to push my boundaries in the wild, and discover more about myself. 

-Eddie Beamer, CA, USA

I always liked to camp and hike but when I found about Antonio’s unique approach of combining men’s work with backpacking, I was intrigued. I have been working on myself for the last several years and was introduced to the concept of “Men’s Work” through my therapist. I also attend a men’s group regularly. However, finding other opportunities where I can delve deeper into this work was hard to come by and expensive. I found that working in nature was ideal for this kind of therapy. I felt safe working with Antonio who is experienced in not only backpacking and traversing the mountains across different conditions but in men’s work as well. He knew just when I should push my edges or when to give me space and support. Everyday provided a unique approach and lesson and Antonio ask me the right questions to bring myself into a state of awareness and introspection that made the experience more meaningful. I also wouldn’t know where to go if it weren’t for him. He understood the trails and terrain instinctively. After my trip I came out as a new man, with a greater confidence in myself, ready to face whatever life had in store for me.

-Marco Carvalho, CT, USA

I started on a journey of intentional personal growth around 3 years ago. Part of my introduction to men’s work was by reading Dr. Glovers “No more Mr. Nice guy. One of the focuses of the book is surrounding yourself with other masculine men. At the time I had left all my guy friends in the past along with my party days and completely put all of my focus and energy into my wife and kids. The step of creating a circle of other healthy masculine men was the most challenging aspect of men’s work for me.

What I found with Primal Polar-bear Adventures lead by Antonio was the initiation I needed years ago. This is what I received by participating in a weekend in no particular order. The chance to get in touch with my fun side and the boy inside myself. The opportunity to have real conversations about real stuff in a supportive environment. Self belief in preparing and executing on the challenge of backpacking. Being fully seen by other guys without needing to put on a front. Developing a bond with other men that will last long into the future. The opportunity to break free of life’s distractions and vices and focus on what is truly important to me.

Whether you are just getting started in men’s work or like me have been doing it for years doing an initiation is a vital piece of the work. I would highly recommend doing this journey with Antonio.

-Gabe M, Colorado, USA

I signed up for my Rite of Passage Retreat because I was at a point in my life where I knew I needed a challenge if I was going to make any meaningful changes in my life. I had done traditional therapy which helped some, but I still felt like I needed something more to be able to push myself. Primal Polar Bear Adventures was exactly what I needed to help me discover the man I want to be. 

From the moment I arrived in Fresno, Antonio was there with open arms to welcome me into the retreat and get ready for the journey ahead. I won’t lie, I struggled a lot on the hike. There were so many points where I was pushing my body to what I thought was my limit but, like a true brother, Antonio was there encouraging me to dig deep and push my edges so I could achieve what I had set out to do. 

During the retreat, Antonio really took the time to get to know me which made it easy to be open and honest with him when talking about difficult things in my life. No matter what I said, I never felt any judgment which meant I could be unapologetically me for the first time in a long time. I had so many opportunities on my Rite of Passage to wander and explore on my own, to honor my boy, to truly feel free. By the time we made it back to the van, I was a different man than the one who started the hike and brimming with a newfound confidence that I won't be losing anytime soon.

If you are ready to push yourself to new limits, to take off your masks and have a community of men support the authentic you, to start your journey to the man you want to be, then you need to take this journey with Antonio guiding you there. 

-Evan L, Ajax, ON, Canada

Writing this review hasn’t been easy—I’ve spent months thinking about how to express the true impact of this trip. It was more than just a hike; it was a transformative experience that touched me mentally, physically, and spiritually. I want to convey how this journey led to deep insights and a sense of connection I never expected. The truth is, words can only go so far. The level of connection and growth that happens on this trip is something you can’t fully understand until you experience it for yourself. So, if you’re reading this and considering it, take the leap. You won’t find anything else quite like it.

-Polo V, Calgary, Canada

ITS NEVER TOO LATE!!! As a 54 year old man, I had my doubts I would be able to make this journey. But thanks to Antonio’s guidance, I was able to make it to the summit. I am so grateful that I did. This was the kind of epic challenge and rite of passage I was looking for. First and foremost, Antonio made sure we had all the top notch gear that we needed to make this a great experience. Our safety was his top concern. He also taught me a lot about hiking and surviving in the wilderness. I plan to go on more hikes in my area. Follow that up with his leadership and help to push through the hard times, when all I wanted to do was quit , I’m confident I could not have done this with anyone better. I would also like to say that it wasn’t all hard work, there was plenty of time for me to play, to let the boy in me out. Such an important part of this. Something I am continuing to do back in the world. While there are many things about this experience I could share, one must take this journey to really understand. It will challenge you.. physically, mentally, and emotionally, but it is worth it. The opportunity to have a rite of passage with other like-minded men is worth every step along the way. In closing , I want to thank Antonio and the men whom I know call Brothers, for this life-changing experience. I look forward to doing this again.

-Kevin C, WA, USA