Polar Geographic

Gregers gjersøe

Instructor & Founder, Polar Geographic

Hi! I’m Gregers — or just Greg — expedition guide, instructor, and founder of Polar Geographic. I’ve been working on expedition ships since 2017, mainly in the Arctic and Antarctic, and I’ve seen firsthand what it takes to do the job as a guide well.

That’s why I started Polar Geographic: to offer down-to-earth, hands-on training that actually prepares you for life on an expedition ship. I’m here to help you build the confidence and skills you need, whether it’s driving a Zodiac, staying safe in polar bear country, or getting ready for your very first season.

Zodiac Training. Polar Bear Safety. New Guide Support.

These three things are at the heart of what I do at Polar Geographic. They reflect what I care about most: helping guides feel confident, prepared, and safe out in the field.

• Zodiac Training
  I run hands-on Zodiac sessions that give you real experience — not just theory. While it’s not a formal certification (yet), it’s designed to reflect the kind of situations you’ll actually face on expedition ships. We train the way we work.
• Polar Bear Safety/Rifle Handling
  If you’re going to the Arctic, being prepared is essential. I offer practical rifle handling and polar bear safety training — it’s about awareness, responsibility, and staying safe without taking risks.
• New Guide Support
  I remember how it felt starting out. That’s why I also focus on mentoring and helping new guides find their feet. Whether it’s understanding ship life, prepping for landings, or just building confidence, I’m here to support you.

Zodiac Training. Polar Bear Safety. New Guide Support. It’s what I do — and what I love doing!

Before I stepped into the world of guiding on expedition ships, I spent nearly 30 years as a commercial airline pilot with SAS. That career taught me a deep respect for safety, structure, and staying calm when things get challenging — values I now bring into every course I run at Polar Geographic.

When I’m not out in the field or training new guides, I’m either on the water or thinking about it. I’m a certified RYA Powerboat Level 2 Instructor, and I’ve taken a long list of maritime safety and operations courses. Everything I teach comes from real-world experience — stuff I’ve had to use myself on expeditions from Greenland and Svalbard to Antarctica.

My training philosophy is simple:
I believe the best way to learn is by doing — with equipment that mirrors what’s used on expedition ships, in small groups, and with honest, direct feedback. It’s not just about ticking a box; it’s about building the skills and confidence that help you succeed out there in the real conditions.

Why “Polar Geographic”?

When I was looking for a name for my company, I kept thinking about what inspires me most. I’ve always loved National Geographic — the articles, the photography, the sense of curiosity and wonder about the natural world. I wanted to create something that had that same feeling: a place where people get drawn into the wild, remote, and beautiful world of the polar regions.

Since my focus is the Arctic and Antarctic, “Polar” was a given. When I saw that the domain polargeographic was available, I couldn’t believe it — I grabbed it right away, and the name just stuck. That’s how Polar Geographic was born.

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