Adventure is waiting, just beyond the Gate

• Hometown: Middle of nowhere O-H-I-O
• Favorite Bay Area eatery: Side Street Pho in Alameda, Tommy’s BBQ Richmond, Bovine Bakery in Point Reyes Station
• Favorite Song: In the Summertime by Mungo Jerry
• Favorite Place to Get Outside in the Bay Area: Lover’s Leap, Pinnacles National Park, Sugar Loaf or Phantom Spires
• Favorite Gear: My Patagonia R1 hoodie cause it’s always got my back.

“Guiding people through challenging and formative experiences gives you a front-seat view on their journey. So many people show up for a trip with a preconceived notion of their limitations....after a few days and with a lot of community and support from our group, I am beyond stoked to see people literally climb through those limiting beliefs.”

• Memorable moment as a guide

  About a year ago, I was out with a friend climbing a fairly remote peak in the Eastern Sierra. We encountered another team of climbers on the descent trail and started talking with them as we hiked out. One of the climbers looked strangely familiar. After a few minutes of talking, we realized I had taught their intro to rock climbing class 2-3 years prior. After the disbelief and shock wore off, it was AWESOME to hear about and see their journey and progression into the vertical world that I love and get to share with people.

• Activity expertise

  Backpacking, Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking

• Training & Certification

  • Wilderness EMT
  • AMGA Rock Guide Course & Single Pitch Instructor

• Hometown: Martinez, CA
• Favorite Bay Area eatery: Bovine Bakery in Point Reyes Station. Before a long hike or paddle, swing by to stock up on some heavenly homemade baked goods. Get there early as there is usually a line and items sell out.
• Favorite Song: All the Good Girls go to Hell by Billie Eilish
• Favorite Place to Get Outside in the Bay Area: Mammoth Lakes, CA is an absolute outdoor playground. In the summer you can SUP in Twin Lakes, MTB on Mountain View trail and climb at Owens River Gorge. In the winter there is plenty of resort and backcountry skiing.
• Favorite Gear: Ski strap. It's duct tape and a zip tie combined: repair snowshoes, lash items to your pack, hold bikes onto a rack, make a rescue sled. I've even seen them used to strap skis together!

“I love it when a new skill leads to an increase in a participant's confidence level. I know that successful completion of a kayaking wet exit, figuring out how to navigate using a compass, or getting on outdoor rock for the first time will lead to more confidence and more fun in their outdoor adventures.”

• Memorable moment

  I once had an 80-year old participant on a rappelling class. He was rappelling for the first time that day. What an reminder that we never have to stop learning and exploring!

• Activity expertise

  Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, Kayaking, Backpacking

• Training & Certification

  • Wilderness First Responder
  • AMGA Single Pitch Instructor