Testimonies

For over a decade we have coached athletes from all over the world, below is testimony to our methods and effectiveness-

Jorge Elage – Ecamp International 2011
I feel lucky and honored to have both lived and trained with Team Epi /Sole for 6 months. Paul and Karen are great coaches and amazing people to be with, it doesn’t take long to notice this. Their positivity and attitude towards life is what really makes a difference. At first one might be impressed with the gear, the gadgets, the techniques and all the other amazing resources that add up on enhancing the performance but for me, personally, it was really their life style that made me realize how much more I could do for myself and for my goals. They put a lot of heart into everything they do and share it with passion with everyone that come to them for knowledge. This is the “magic” that contaminates us E-Camp pupils and makes us go further, go longer, pushing our limits to unknown boundaries. After completion of my full time E-camp course I went on to complete a round the world tour, traveling and working my way around the globe without much savings, only powered by the confidence I could boost in Big Bear. Thanks to P, K and (the then lil) J!

The results of this trip were published in a book named “The Pilgrim Project – Around the World, Brazilian Style.”. It was one of the ways I found to share the experience and encourage others to “find their own summit”, as Jordan Romero would put it!
Jorge Elage is Bachelor in Sports Science, and works as Outdoor Guide / Event management, lives in Paraty, south coast of Rio, Brazil.
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Jill Perla-Zamoyta-2011
As an amateur but aspiring athlete, Paul’s advice and care have been a huge benefit to me, not only as I work toward my athletic goals, but also for the overall quality of my life and health. Right from the start, the supplements he gave me have released me from the need for pain medication, a life-changing experience in and of itself. He has inspired me to think big, and to believe in myself. Paul’s passion and extensive experience speak for themselves, and his energy is contagious! He has my gratitude forever.
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Manu Vilaseca – Ecamp International Alumi
I met Paul and Karen in a race in Portugal and since then we became friends. I went to Big Bear for the first time in 2008, and then back in 2009 for a whole month of mountain bike training.

I was racing in Brazil for a mountain bike team and I needed to improve my skills. I can guarantee it was a wonderful month at Team Sole’s “House of Pain”. I rode in trails everyday and I almost never repeated a single trail.  They taught me to have  better control of my bike, to be stronger and healthier. I learned about nutrition and had access to the best quality products. I was vo2 tested, trained on the gym, did a lot of core training, had a professional bike fit and many other important things that helped me get better. The best part of it is that all of this was done in the most relaxed atmosphere where I had a lot of fun every single day. My last test before going back was the 12 Hour Temecula, where I raced solo and brought back home the title of champion. I can say that this experience made me go to a higher level and I will return every year for training with E Camp Int’l.
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Karina Oliani- 2007/2010
Paul and Karen have been known in the adventure race world as one of the best athletes ever and after I had the honor of spending a whole month living with them it was clear to me that this wasn’t by accident.

I had always wanted to understand what’s the process of “producing” those amazing athletes that are way beyond the limits of normal human beings. After having the opportunity to observe how Paul and Karen train, eat, live added to all their knowledge, multi sports skills, discipline and experience it was easy… The results of this perfect combination you can see just by watching them while they race.Not only that, they were so much fun to hang out with that by the time I had to leave, I didn’t want to. They are top athletes for sure but also truly amazing people that have so much to share and teach and the best adventure/ expeditions stories. Their great attitude and lifestyle inspire anybody and nowadays I can say they have become my best friends.There, I’ve learned to eat properly and improve my nutrition by taking the right supplements, I’ve definitely gained muscles, lost fat, improved my MTB  skills, my running movements became so much more effective and all this while they were showing me some incredible places around their homeland. If you are considering taking this month to train with them, do a favor to yourself: just go! One month will be enough for you to improve your cardiovascular, running, paddling and mountain biking skills for sure, and I bet you won’t forget those 30 days you’ve spent by the side of those two of the coolest and interesting people in the world! Testimonial in Portuguese
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Bruno Machado-   2011

I went to Big Bear this January looking to lose the “amateur” side of my training and be more professional in Mountain Bike, Kayaking and Running.  What I found was an amazing atmosphere, extreme training sections, a friendship for a lifetime.  It was an amazing experience that words can’t really describe well.  If you are looking for the best adventure sports coaching or just an awesome time, this is the place to be and the crew to meet!  Testimonial in Portuguese

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Camila Nicolau-E Camp Alumni 2007
In January of 2007 I went to the US for a 2 weeks holiday. The first one with Paul and Karen and the second snowboarding in Mammoth.I arrived at Big Bear on a cold winter afternoon and before I could open my bag Paul and Karen gave me some gear for snowshoeing on the mountains – just outside the house! After that I could understand why they call their place: “The House of Pain“!

The reality is that after a week with them, I decided to stay three more. Big Bear is such a wonderful place for training, with a privileged landscape and views. I had a awesome time, meeting people and learning. Learning how to train not being afraid…and to  “Got  Fast and Take Chances.”
Testimonial in Portuguese