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Climber Story: Jason Quan
To start, tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Jason Quan and I just hit the dirty thirty. In my day job I work in import/export, but I’m always dreaming of my next climb or adventure. Growing up in Torrance, CA climbing wasn’t really a thing I knew about until college when friends of mine wanted to go bouldering indoors.
How did you start climbing?
I started climbing when my brother asked me to be his belay partner. My brother had gotten a job at Hangar 18 back then and needed someone for belays. Ever since then I’ve been hooked on climbing!
I’ve been climbing for about 6 years now, and I climb every discipline from sport, bouldering, & trad although I’m not necessarily the hardest climber.
What impact has climbing had on your life?
Climbing has had a huge impact on me in terms of mental and physical health in addition to all the rad people I’ve met indoors & outdoors. I think the biggest benefits personally for me are risk assessment and the reduction of my anxiety. Recently, climbing has allowed me to find my community which has been something I’ve struggled with outdoors for a while. It has also stressed the importance that if you fail, you’ve got to keep trying and maybe switch up the beta.
What are some other things you do that you find most fulfilling?
Outside of climbing, lately I’ve been finding fulfillment in highlighting underrepresented people and communities. This is something that has grown after landing the Climbing For All photography mentorship program hosted by Climbing Magazine x adidas. Prior to that I was already coaching and introducing friends to climbing. With the recent end of my mentorship, I’m looking forward to future projects that continue to highlight those communities and athletes.
If you could tell the world one thing, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. If there’s no one from your community who is a role model, taking the first step might make you the role model that you and others need and want.
Favorite thing about Dynamite Starfish?
I love the name being fun but also some of the shirts like the “Passive-Aggressive” shirt with the tri-cams.
Is there something you're working on that you'd like to tell our community about? We love a good story.
Currently, I’m working with the American Alpine Club as one of the event coordinators for the Bishop Craggin Classic on November 11-13, 2022. For this role, I’d love see how I can impact and support the local community for the long term. I’m hoping to focus on on diversity and inclusion at the event.
You can find Jason on Instagram at @jasonwquan or check out his photography portfolio at Jason Quan.
Want to get to know more of the climbers in the amazing Dynamite Starfish community? Check out our archive of Climber Stories here.
We hope you have enjoyed these sneak peeks into climbers' lives. We're on a mission to share diverse stories about rock climbing. Let's push the boundaries of who we know as climbers. Let's use our energy and passion for the outdoors to love our environment and inspire one another.
Have someone you think we should feature? Send us a message and let us know!
Until next time!
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