Our Skill Levels Explained | FUN-Damentals of Adventure
Let’s be honest: everyone starts somewhere. You might be a former athlete returning to your body, a complete beginner who’s never camped before, or someone who hikes regularly but isn’t sure how that translates to tropical treks or underwater adventures. This guide is here to help you figure out what level you’re at — and what you might be ready to try.
Trekking, surfing, and Adventuring
We don’t care how “fit” you are in the conventional sense. What we care about is your curiosity, your willingness to try, and your ability to honestly gauge your limits. This isn’t about proving yourself. It’s about preparing yourself so you can enjoy the experience — instead of just surviving it.
We’re not here to shame or pressure anyone. These skill levels are just a guide. You know yourself best. If you’re between levels or unsure where you fall, just ask us. We’ll help you find something that lights you up — not burns you out.
We use four general categories to help you choose the right trip:
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“I walk semi-regularly to get places and I’ve done some hikes, but I wouldn’t call myself fit.”
You don’t hike. You don’t camp. Maybe you’ve never even snorkelled. You’ve tried outdoor adventures before, maybe on holiday or growing up, and now you’re looking for something just a little more structured. You don’t mind getting dirty — but you want to ease in.
Best if you:
Want to try outdoor activities with structure and support
Are open to being uncomfortable in a healthy way
Have a basic level of mobility and stamina
Can walk 3–5km comfortably in heat or uneven terrain
Don’t need a gym, but like being active a few times a week
What to expect:
More consistent movement — 2 to 4 hours of activity a day — but with support and frequent breaks.
You’ll likely carry your own day pack, possibly swim in open water, and spend a few nights off-grid.
Perfect for:
Short treks, easy overnight camping,
Intro-level surf trips, jungle kayaking, or multi-stop cultural trips.
Yoga retreats
Nature Heals Weekends
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“I move regularly and can handle a few days of physical challenge.”
You’ve done a multi-day hike or dive trip before. You enjoy movement and are comfortable outdoors. You probably do some form of regular fitness (walking, yoga, swimming, gym), and want a trip that makes you feel strong — not wiped out.
Best if you:
Can hike 6–10km in heat with moderate elevation
Are confident swimming in the ocean
Can carry your own gear (not heavy packs, but a daypack or dry bag)
What to expect:
Multi-day trekking, camping with limited facilities
Surfing with paddle-outs.
Some discomfort and inconvenience (sweat, leeches, squat toilets) will be part of the journey — but you can handle it.
Perfect for:
Senaru-Torean Route (Rinjani)
Surf trips with daily sessions.
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“I’m used to pushing myself and I know how to manage my energy.”
You know how to pace yourself on multi-day treks, you’re confident in the water, and you understand your personal limits. You probably train or move consistently and are looking for something immersive, remote, or technically challenging.
Best if you:
Can trek 10km+ with elevation while carrying your gear
Know how to regulate your energy and hydration on long days
What to expect:
Off-grid adventure, limited infrastructure
Physical challenge, and high reward.
You’ll be expected to show up ready — mentally and physically.
These trips are epic, but not for show. They’re for people who thrive off the beaten track.
Perfect for:
Rinjani Summit 3726masl
Long-haul remote trekking
Diving
Not all divers are created equal — and that’s a good thing. At Chicken Feet, we work with some of the best dive guides in Asia to create trips that are safe, exciting, and grounded in respect for the ocean. But choosing the right destination isn’t just about the fish — it’s about your comfort, your confidence, and your capacity. Our priority is safety.
This guide helps you figure out which type of dive experience is right for you — and why your honest self-assessment matters more than your certification card.
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“I’ve snorkelled before — does that count?”
You’re either:
Not certified (yet),
Certified but barely remember your last dive,
Or you just love putting on a mask, floating around, and calling it a day.
You like the idea of diving, but you’re not here to stress yourself out. Your ideal day involves warm water, calm seas, and maybe a cold drink waiting after.
Best for:
Intro dives or refresher dives
Snorkelling trips with optional scuba
Places with calm bays, no currents, and accessible shallow sites
Experiences where the focus is fun, not technique
Trips we’d recommend:
Amed/Tulamben
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“I’m certified and I’ve done a few trips — I’m solid.”
You’ve logged a good number of dives (maybe 30–100), you’re comfortable in the water, and you’ve experienced some currents or different conditions before. You’re not trying to prove anything, but you’re looking for something a bit more exciting.
You can keep neutral buoyancy most of the time — even if you’re still working on perfecting it.
Best for:
Sites with some current, but not overwhelming
Boat dives and liveaboards with other certified divers
Multi-dive days with rest in between
Trips we’d recommend:
Komodo (West side)
Lembeh Strait
Nusa Penida
Alas Strait
Maldives
Mergui Archipelago
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“I’ve dived in current. I know how to help a buddy. I’m here for the good stuff.”
You’ve likely done 100+ dives, are Rescue certified or equivalent in experience, and you actually enjoy tricky entry points or fast drift dives. You’re comfortable managing your own gear, navigating a buddy team, and even assisting others if needed.
You don’t panic when things go slightly off-plan. You love the water, and you want to be challenged in a safe, supportive way.
Best for:
Remote destinations with limited infrastructure
Exploratory or advanced dive sites with current
Liveaboards, multi-dive days, and trips with strong local guides
Trips we’d recommend:
Alor
South Komodo (with trusted crew)
Raja Ampat
Speaking From personal experience
Let me just say — I’m not trying to gatekeep adventure.
I believe with my whole being that if you want to do something, you can do it. I’ve trekked 20 kilometres a day through blisters and vertical climbs because I knew it was worth it. I’ve gone deep into the Amazon even though I’m terrified of spiders — because the experience meant more than the fear.
What most people don’t know is that I wasn’t always this way. I swam and played competitive water polo until I was 18, and it took such a toll on my body — my hips, knees, shoulders, and ankles were wrecked. After that, I spent about 10 years in recovery. I had to start from zero again. And when I did, I came back like a couch potato with an adventure mindset.
I just knew: if I really wanted something, I could push through the pain and the doubt. My mind was stronger than my body — and that was enough to get me going.
Your mindset is everything.
But — when it comes to diving, trekking, and nature-based adventures, I also believe in protecting what makes these experiences so powerful. We don’t just dive for our own pleasure. We dive to witness something sacred. And we have a responsibility to do it with care.
As a dive instructor, I’ve seen what happens when people aren’t fully in control of their buoyancy or aren’t aware of their dangling gear or where their fins are. A single careless kick can damage coral that took decades to grow. That’s why my categories aren’t just about your body — they’re about your impact.
These guidelines aren’t about shaming or excluding anyone. They’re about awareness. So that we can all level up with intention. So that we’re not just protecting our bodies — we’re protecting the places we’re privileged to explore.
Adventure should always be accessible. But not at the cost of the environment or the people who call these places home.
TL;DR:
Skill levels explained:
Trekking
• Beginner = some fitness but no real life experience in nature
• Intermediate = confident and active
• Advanced = high fitness, high skill, prepared for challenges
For diving, we further break this down to help protect marine ecosystems:
• Cocktail Divers & Uncertified
• Certified Divers with 100+ dives
• Experienced Divers comfortable with current and rescue-level awareness
Your mindset matters. Jin shares how she went from a sedentary phase to trekking 20 km/day and facing her fears in the Amazon.
Knowing where you stand helps keep you safe and keeps the wild places wild — it’s awareness.
