OnwardUP Connectors

OnwardUP Connectors are a group of local heroes that inspire us by how their work nurtures a safer and more inclusive, diverse, environmentally responsible and aware outdoor community. They support our mission in creating connections that enable elevated outdoor experiences.

Name: Leif Godberson

Location: Calgary, Alberta

 

Why do you love it living where you do?

 

While living in the city isn’t necessarily my first choice, I do appreciate that I’m still relatively close to the mountains. Living in the city does have its perks though, including nice climbing gyms, being closer to family, and good coffee shops.

 

Favourite place within walking distance of your house?

It’d be a toss up between the pathways following the Bow River and Paskapoo slopes. 

 

Activity of choice?

Tough question. I’d say my answer will depend on what time of year you ask me that question. I enjoy everything from bouldering indoors to more classical mountaineering objectives along with racing in both skimo and trail running. I enjoy any activity that puts in me beautiful places, but equally I love the sport/performance aspects of activities. 

 

How did you get into your activities?

 

I grew up in the Calgary area and was fortunate to be exposed to the mountains at a very young age. As soon as I could drive at 16, I started to spend any time that I could in mountains mostly hiking and scrambling around the Rockies. I didn’t get into more technical climbing until I was in my early twenties. My first real climbing experience on rock or ice was climbing the weeping wall on the Icefields Parkway. I think I realized early on that although I do like climbing in of itself, it is the adventures to be had in the mountains that really interests me. 

 

A Highlight from last year?

 

Last year I participated in a number of skimo races which is something I haven’t really done before. I was quite impressed how fun these races were. The Steep Dreams Teams race in Golden, BC was likely my favourite race where myself and my partner Akio managed get on the podium. I also climbed Yexyexéscen (Mt. Robson) in a day which was a cool outing. 

 

What’s one piece of gear that is always in your backpack and why?

 

Headlamp! Depending on the activity it will either be a IKO core and a Swift RL. Even if I’m 98% sure I won’t be out in the dark, I’ll often still pack a e-LITE.  

 

How cold is too cold?

Well, I just returned from a few nights out in -40 C temperatures and thought that was pretty near my limit. Much colder than that and everything just seems break and it’s not too fun. 

 

Book / podcast / recommendations?

 

I recently finished Deep Work by Cal Newport which I’d highly recommend. The premise of the book is differentiating between deep and shallow work and why deep work is so important. This book resonates with me as it seems like we are constantly bombarded by ‘shallow work’ whether it’s in the form of social media or just vain information in general that is put out at an incessant rate. There seems to be a trend towards quantity overall quality and I find this to be a difficult trend to resist. This is one of the reasons I’m proud to align myself with brands like Patagonia as the focus is on building quality products first, rather than the cheapest crap that will simply generate the most revenue for a brand even if it is essentially disposable. 

 

Name a non-profit in your community that is doing amazing work/or that you’re affiliated with?

Guardians of the Ice is a local organization that is doing notable work in bringing to light the rapidly retreating Columbia Icefields. They do this by melding art and science in an approachable way that highlights the significance of our locally retreating glaciers in the context of the global climate crisis. I think as individuals who spend significant time in the mountains, the impact of climate change is really apparent. Of course, it’s one thing loose classic routes due to retreating ice, but this is merely a minor inconvenience when compared to the much more serious issues resulting from the climate change that disproportionately affect the the underprivileged. 

 

A value you feel you align with, with OnwardUP’s values?

While I feel that my personal values align well with all of  OnwardUP’s values, perhaps I would highlight the commitment to Innovation and Excellence. I strive to hold myself to a high standard in terms of how go about living my life and I know that the team at OnwardUP is equally committed being the best at what they do.