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.

Welcome to our ‘Meet our Connectors’ series; a multi-week social media series dedicated to highlighting one of our OnwardUP Connectors per month! 

Name: Sean Isaac
Location: Canmore, AB
Why do you love living where you do?
I moved to Canmore when I was 20 and have lived here for 30+ years. I came for the mountains and stayed for the community. I love waking up to being surrounded by rock walls and peaks. The community is so inspiring. Canmore just seems to vibrate on a higher level. I truly believe it is the fountain of youth.
Favourite place within walking distance of your house?
The beautiful Bow River is right out my back door. I love sitting beside it, walking and biking along it and floating down it.
 
Activity of choice?
I would have to say ice climbing. I have been ice climbing for over 30 years. I was a sponsored athlete for 10 years competing in ice climbing competitions, establishing new routes in the Rockies and travelling the world to seek out challenging ice routes. I have been an ice climbing guide as an ACMG Alpine Guide for 20 years. I have also written five books on ice and mixed climbing including the 2022 “How to Ice Climb”.
How did you get into Climbing?
When I was 18, I went to university in Thunder Bay. I was always into adventure sports like skiing, snowboarding and kayaking but never had the opportunity to climb until that first week of school when I begged a new friend to teach me how to rock climb. I tried ice climbing soon after and have never stopped.
What is a highlight from last year?
I spent over 70 days ice guiding last winter but I would say the highlight was taking my 16-year-old son up a multi-pitch ice climb on one of my rare days off.
What’s one piece of gear that is always in your backpack and why?
My Petzl Actik Core never leaves my pack, whether it’s ice climbing, rock climbing, mountaineering, ski touring or mountain biking, it always comes along.
How cold is too cold?
With proper gear, clothing and understanding of the hazards, there is no such thing as too cold. I did three days of ice guiding last winter in December when it was -38C. I layered up in seven-layers of Patagonia clothing, wore heated socks and double boots, used chemical hand warmers, started late, stayed close to the road, packed extra emergency gear like a small sleeping bag and stuck to moderate routes that we could set up top ropes on to avoid leading. Anything is possible and manageable with preparation and planning.

Any book / podcast / recommendations?

I am a big fan of Malcom Gladwell. I think all adventure people should read his book “Blink”. It is about how we develop intuition that leads to snap decision making.

One thing you have learnt in the mountains that you wish everyone knew?

One thing that I have learnt from over 30 years of moving around in the mountains is the big role that luck plays in our decision making. We can have the most sound risk-management and decision-making process but there will always be an element of bad luck that can occur. On the other hand, I know at times my decision-making process has been poor but good luck saved the day. I suggest to work hard to develop a solid process but always account for a percentage that luck (good or bad) may play in the outcome.

Name a non-profit in your community that is doing amazing work?

Soul of Miistaki is a non-profit that does great work getting BIPOC and marginalized folks into the mountains. I volunteer my guiding services to their programs.

What is a value you feel you align with OnwardUP’s values?
I am proud to work with OnwardUp because I feel our values align very well. We both strongly believe in supporting community, environmental stewardship and making the mountains accessible for everyone.
Any upcoming adventure plans, you’d like to share?
I have spent many decades planning climbing adventures, all them I am incredibly grateful for. Most of my climbing these days comes in the form of guiding. As for other future adventures, I am planning a downhill mountain bike trip to Ecuador with my two sons to ride down volcanoes and rainforest trails.

Learn more about Sean Isaac

ACMG Alpine Guide & Author
W: http://www.seanisaac.com/