You Are the Wind Beneath My Climb

February 12, 2015

The flatirons that sit above Boulder, Colorado are one of the most iconic images of the Colorado Front Range. They are also one of my favorite places for rock climbing. A absolute classic, the First Flatiron is perched above the world-famous Chautauqua Park, and rumor has it that there are killer views at the top. A couple of my very talented climbing buddies, Charley Mace and Timmy O’Neill, joined me for a little adventure a few weeks ago.

Freedom Fidos

February 6, 2015

Some of you are familiar with my involvement in No Barriers Warriors, formerly Soldiers to Summits. It is exciting to report news that makes us all proud and reflects so highly on the program. Matt Burgess was on our second program when we climbed 19,347' Cotopaxi in Ecuador. It’s safe to say that Matt struggled throughout that trip physically and mentally, but he reached the summit and says the experience was a catalyst to transformation. 

2015 No Barriers Summit Registration Is Open!

February 4, 2015

The 2015 No Barriers USA Summit Registration is open! This year it will be in Park City, UT on July 9-12, 2015. 

Three Times Not the Charm

February 3, 2015

Climbing a mountain is always uncertain, and the summit is never guaranteed. You prepare by picking a great team, training hard, and having a smart plan based on good, conservative decisions. No matter how good your preparation, however, the mountains have a way of showing you they are in charge.

2015 Leading the Way Programs

January 27, 2015

Leading the Way is a program I helped No Barriers USA start almost a decade ago. I love seeing it grow and blossom. Our first few trips were to the Peruvian Andes, and we expanded to other amazing parts of the world like the Amazon and the Grand Canyon.

No Barriers Grand Canyon Expedition Team Reflection-Lonnie Bedwell

January 15, 2015

Lonnie Bedwell, a former Navy Petty Officer and submariner, was injured in a hunting accident that took his sight instantly. After raising his family, 13 years later, he was introduced to adaptive sports, learning to kayak by doing hundreds of rolls in the pond on his Indiana farm. Lonnie enjoys the wilderness to its fullest, fishing and hunting with his daughters on a regular basis. He joined the No Barriers Grand Canyon Expedition to emphasize the importance of supporting our veterans on their journey home.

No Barriers Grand Canyon Expedition Team Reflection-Harlan Taney

January 15, 2015

Harlan Taney has made a life of adventuring around the globe. He has kayaked exotic rivers from China to Norway, South America to New Zealand. For the last 18 years, Harlan has spent his summers as a Grand Canyon river guide amassing somewhere in the ballpark of 160 trips down the “Big Ditch.” He has joined Erik for adventures from Mexico and Peru to the Salmon River in Idaho. Harlan served as Erik’s primary guide on the No Barriers Grand Canyon Expedition. When he is not guiding, Harlan runs his own production management company, 4 Corner Film Logistics.

No Barriers Grand Canyon Expedition Team Reflection-Skyler Williams

January 15, 2015

Skyler Williams has spent the last 6 years working with Erik and managing his speaking business, Touch The Top. He started kayaking, at first to train with Erik, but over the last several years, after lots of rolls and several swims has developed his own passion and enjoyment of the sport. He has coordinated and joined expeditions to Mexico, Peru, Idaho, Utah and the Grand Canyon. Skyler served as a guide, safety boater, producer and general ring leader of the No Barriers Grand Canyon Expedition.

No Barriers Grand Canyon Expedition Team Reflection-Timmy O'Neill

January 15, 2015

Although best known for his climbing exploits and comedic personality, Timmy O’Neill cut his adventure teeth paddling in Pennsylvania with his father. He is a founder of Paradox Sports, which improves people’s lives through adaptive sports communities. When he is not slack-lining or hanging off the edge of the Earth, he volunteers as an ophthalmic surgical assistant for communities in need in Asia and Africa. Timmy served as a guide and safety boater on the No Barriers Grand Canyon Expedition.

No Barriers Grand Canyon Expedition Team Reflection-Chris Drew

January 15, 2015

Chris Drew started his passion for rivers at an early age on the rivers of North Carolina. He resettled out west and now works as a river guide in Colorado. He served as one of Lonnie’s guides on the No Barriers Grand Canyon Expedition.

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