OnwardUP Connectors
OnwardUP Connectors are a group of local heroes that inspire us! They support our mission in creating connections that enable elevated outdoor experiences.
Welcome to our ‘Meet our Connectors’ series; a multi-week social media series dedicated to highlighting one of our OnwardUP Connectors every few weeks!
Location: Canmore, AB
Why do you love it living where you do?
I live in a “shoebox” with a big backyard. If I wanted, I could go on a mini expedition every day right outside my door. It’s like a fully loaded base camp with a lifetime of adventures from local climbing crags to long alpine rock routes and big peak-to-peak linkups!
Favourite place within walking distance of your house?
Epi Cafe. Their cardamom buns are delicious.
Activity of choice?
Climbing of course!
How did you get into climbing?
I dabbled in climbing outdoors while going to university and was happy to be a top-rope hero at the time. When I graduated, I moved back to Ottawa in search of an outdoor community. I started going to the local climbing gym and took a lead climbing course with the ACC. I spent my first summer climbing every minute of every weekend with the same two friends, Z clipping our way up 12 meter sport routes in Calabogie. I was hooked!
A Highlight from last year?
I spent a month in the Artic on Coat’s Island working alongside seabird biologists, rigging access by rappel to nesting bird sites to collect data contributing to a long-term monitoring program of the Thick-Billed Murre. This experience gave me a new perspective of the field work component of wildlife research (lots of poop sampling!).
What’s one piece of gear that is always in your backpack and why?
Petzl Bindi. It’s small and light and easy to charge quickly!
How cold is too cold?
When the car doesn’t start…
Book / podcast / recommendations?
The Daily Stoic. Filled with little bits of wisdom to keep you thinking throughout the day.
One thing you have learnt in the mountains that you wish everyone knew?
Each individual experience is unique to them and it is the combination of factors that came together on that particular day that resulted in either a positive or negative experience. Choose an objective because you are intrigued by it. Consider the facts, but don’t let other’s experiences or biased opinons sway your motivation. If a particular feature, line or summit calls to you, explore that.
Name a non-profit in your community that is doing amazing work/or that you’re affiliated with?
There are a ton of amazing affinity groups that exist within the mountain community here. I am proud to be a part of the Dirtbabe Collective as co-founder. We are a non-profit organization that offers holistic mountain programs combining technical skill development with therapeutically framed experiences in the alpine climbing environment.
A value you feel you align with, with OnwardUP’s values?
Experiential learning is the best kind of learning no matter what age you are. I love that OnwardUp includes education and experiences as a listed value, and prioritizes this through facilitating dealer camps led by connectors and guides in beautiful mountain venues.
Upcoming adventure plans, you’d like to share?
The wildfire season is always an adventure. It’s hard to predict if it’s going to be a busy one but based on the low snowpack this winter, I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m living out of a duffel from June to August! In between shifts, I’ll likely make some trips into the Bugaboos for a smash and grab with my favourite adventure buddy.
