JOEL STEPS OUTSIDE HIS COMFORT ZONE

I first began working with Ryan in 2015 when he guided me on a winter ascent up Mt. Washington. Apart from the thrill of accomplishing our objective, two things stood out to me that day: the first is obvious - his expertise. Although we had only gotten to know each other on the short drive up, I felt completely at ease and knew I was in good hands. His knowledge of the terrain, conditions and gear is unquestionable. At every step along the way he made sure I understood what we were doing and why. It quickly became apparent not only is he a highly qualified guide but a willing and eager teacher.

The other quality I noticed, which stands out to this day, is his ability to get me to step outside my comfort zone.

Having established himself as a trusted guide I was able to take his advice and push on at a point when I was having doubts. It was high up on the Lion Head trial with conditions deteriorating and fingers getting cold that I began to question how badly I wanted to reach the summit. When I expressed my concerns he laid out the facts clearly and said the decision was up to me. At the same time he told me he had confidence in my ability to press on. That brief pep talk gave me the boost I needed to resume our ascent and eventually top out at 6288’.

Since my time in Maine I’ve advanced my climbing with Ryan on both ice and rock. Each time we’ve gotten together has been a learning experience in both technical skills as well as personal development. Ryan continues to challenge and encourage me. His love of climbing is infectious and I’m motivated more now than ever to fuel my body with the whole foods it wants, live in the present and step outside my comfort zone. Despite being ten years his senior I’ve learned quite a lot from him. I value our friendship and look forward to our next adventure.

MATT DID HIS IMPOSSIBLE

10 years ago if you told me I would be standing on the summit of one of the most iconic peaks in the lower 48, I would have laughed as I took a bite into my double bacon cheeseburger. I was 260 lbs and very unhealthy. When my wife and I couldn't get pregnant we looked to diet instead of medication. That's when it all changed for us. Within several months of change she was pregnant with our first son, and then 2 years later we had another boy. As a result of these changes in diet and exercise I had more energy, more drive to be outside and be the best I could be. I had forgotten how nature and exercise made me feel. I now weighed in at 200 lbs!

My wife booked a day of rock climbing for my birthday and I was hooked. The feeling of accomplishment lasted for days after. I decided to keep with it and started going to the local climbing gym where I met Ryan. I explained how I didn't want to wake up one day and realize I wasted my chance in life to do something great, to the best me, to set an example for my children that they could do anything if they worked hard enough. We then decided to take an epic trip to Wyoming to climb in the Grand Teton range. I began to push myself harder to get in shape. I could feel the difference right away not only with my body but in my life.

My relationship with my wife and children was never better. My drive at work became stronger and eventually that attracted a company to hire me for a new position. I attribute these happenings to the changes I was making in my life and meeting my new friend.

MICK’S WORRIES ARE GONE

It’s just kind of a way for me to forget about everything else get out there on the ice, one day of climbing I feel like I’ve taken a vacation. It let’s me forget about all my worries, I just love being on the ice.

Part of it for me with Ryan, is he’s a great climber, so you don’t have to ever feel like you’re in a bad position, so you can really push your limits and not feel like you’re doing it in a way where it’s dangerous.

He’s a great teacher, it’s helped me learn the basics of ice & rock climbing and beyond.