Stoked Adventures
Find your stoke.
Stoked Adventures is a program dedicated to sharing outdoor adventures as an aid in personal growth. As long-time surfers and rock climbers, we all have a story of how the ocean and the mountains have helped us through difficult times. We believe the challenge nature presents us in these two environments is an opportunity to learn, become stronger, and more confidently face the challenges of everyday life. Whether it be an addiction, trouble at home, physical disability, or any other obstacle life puts in front of us, Stoked Adventures offers an opportunity to gain a perspective not found anywhere else but in Mother Nature.
Who we work with:
At-Risk Youth
Youth are the roots of the community. It is important that we nurture them, look after them and build them up to be strong and resilient. Our program is designed to help youth establish a meaningful purpose, and make long lasting connections with nature and their peers. An experience being part of something greater than themselves can help youth grow in maturity and change the way they view their vital role in the community.
People with Disabilities
Changing your attitude from “I Can’t” to “I Can” is a powerful experience. When this happens, people are amazed that “I Can” was reality all along and “I Can’t” was only an illusion. Surfing and climbing are for everyone. Our program creates an opportunity for people with disabilities to break this barrier and discover the amazing things they are capable of. We have seen time and time again the positive effect it has on people.
Recovery Centers
Those in Recovery seek to fill a void. An experience in the ocean can be very powerful and transformative. We have seen time and time again the benefits nature has for people recovering from addiction. Healthy connections with nature and each other can be the building blocks in starting over in life and also show people how worth it this life really is.
Underserved Communities
Community is a vital part of life and we believe that all communities in LA deserve the same access to the outdoors. Our program is designed to help underserved communities grow into their natural gifts through meaningful connections with nature. The experience of successfully surfing a wave or climbing a rock wall can change the way someone views themselves, their situation, and the challenges that lie ahead.
Our Team
Jake Ballard
Jake is a Wilderness First Responder, AMGA certified rock climbing guide and holds a YTT 200 hour yoga teacher certification. He has spent years working as a professional yoga and surf instructor. Years ago Jake realized that connecting with nature helped him heal his own personal struggle with depression and substance abuse. This new positive lifestyle has had a profound and lasting effect on him. With a healthy sense of self Jake is dedicated to sharing his saving grace with others.
Quinn Carson
Quinn Carson is the founder of the surf school and adventure company Eat Sleep Surf. Eat Sleep Surf has provided surfing, rock climbing, and camping adventures to the Los Angeles area since 2014. Quinn also became certified as an AMGA rock climbing guide in 2016 and has since co-founded the Stronghold Adaptive Rock Climbing Program where he leads rock climbing sessions for people with disabilities. Quinn is intensely passionate about outdoor adventures and their ability to break down the walls between people and their true potential.
Dave van Beek
Dave has spent 20+ years guiding clients from around the world on remote wilderness adventures. He has qualifications in Education, Science, Wilderness Medicine, and Risk Management. Dave co-founded The Stronghold Adaptive Rock Climbing Program and has instructed wilderness connection programs with a number of Los Angeles schools and non-profits. Growing up in remote New Zealand Dave would regularly disappear into the rainforest with his grandfather, learning about nature from both a scientific and indigenous point of view. He seeks to bring that knowledge to the communities we serve.
Gallery
Rock Climbing with children with limb differences from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
