I have long admired adventure guides.​

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Even as a kid growing up the son of a seasonal ranger at Mt. Rainier National Park in Washington, I was enamored with the guides. These heroes generally guided with Rainier Mountaineering Inc. (Now RMI)

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I was never going to be a great climber. But then I found whitewater rafting and learned to guide. The experience had a profound effect. It changed me as a leader and as a person.

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There are great, insightful adventure guides in many disciplines, and I've climbed, rafted, and fished with a number of them. 

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"The Steep List" 

These are the guides and adventure leaders I most admire. Admittedly, there's nothing scientific about it. These are people I know, have connected with, or admired from afar - and hope to connect with one day.

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Here are some qualifications I've considered for "The Steepest":

• A standout in the field of adventure leadership

• A "requested" guide who's earned the affinity and support of clients

• Held in high esteem by other guides

• Demonstrated success as a guide in a chosen field or multiple disciplines

• Is known for the ability to effectively guide; it's about the people

• Has prolific guiding experience on multiple adventures

• Has pioneered ideas and innovated in the world of adventure guiding

• Has written, broadcast, or shared media in the adventure vertical

• An up-and-comer in the guiding world

• A "crossover" guide; someone who's been successful in adventure and business or non-guide life

• An adventure client with deep and unique perspectives and observations about the guiding world

 

Nominated Steep Leaders

Do you know a world-class guide who inspires you? I'd like to interview them and help to promote their business! Please drop me a line and put me in touch. I'm looking for podcast guests and leaders with great stories.