Adventure Awaits

The Passion Behind JBK Outdoors

Andre proudly holding a largemouth bass he caught while fishing at a scenic green lake, wearing a blue life vest and black cap.

About the founder – Andre van Niekerk

Andre van Niekerk’s journey into outdoor education began with a leap of faith. In 2015, he left a stable IT career in Cape Town to teach English in South Korea, where working with children awakened a deep passion for nurturing young minds. Living in a fast-paced, screen-driven city, he saw firsthand how powerful time in nature could be—and helped start an outdoor program that gave kids space to breathe, explore, and reconnect.

That experience planted a seed. Determined to bring the same opportunity home, Andre launched Blackstone Gear SA to fund his dream of building an outdoor academy in South Africa. When he returned in 2024, that dream took shape through the Catch Club, a grassroots fishing and outdoor learning program for kids.

By the end of 2025, Catch Club evolved into JBK Outdoors—a purpose-driven brand built on kindness, leadership, and a deep respect for nature. Today, Andre is driven by one simple belief: that the best lessons in life are learned outdoors.

Our Core Values

At JBK Outdoors, our values guide us in creating impactful experiences that nurture young minds and celebrate nature.

Kindness

We believe that kindness to nature, oneself, and others forms the foundation for personal growth and responsible citizenship in the wilderness and beyond.

Resilience

Teaching children to embrace challenges fosters resilience. We encourage them to face obstacles head-on and to learn from their experiences in nature.

Leadership

We empower children to become leaders. Through teamwork and adventure, they develop skills that will serve them well, both in nature and in life.

Start Your Adventure Today

Join JBK Outdoors and empower your child with the skills and gear needed for unforgettable outdoor experiences.

Join Us Now

The JBK Outdoors Experience

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