About

What is Dynamite Starfish?

Dynamite Starfish was created in 2015 by artist and climber Leslie Kim. She wanted to create art that highlights the experiences we share as climbers and ultimately bring people together. She believes that the lessons we've learned as rock climbers are important, and transfer over into our everyday lives to help us better care for one another and build community.

Knowing that simply "raising stoke" about climbing isn't enough to keep the passion alive, she chooses to donate a portion of her profits to organizations that serve the land. Before a single shirt was printed, she looked for local organizations that did conservation work in areas she actively climbs in.

Dynamite Starfish donates a percentage of their profits to groups or causes in need. Some of our previous partners include: The Navajo and Hopi Families' Covid-19 Relief Fund, The Access Fund, The Friends of Joshua Tree, Friends of the Inyo, Central Wyoming Climbers Association, American Safe Climbing Association, Planned Parenthood, and the American Himalayan Foundation.

Our Mission

We create rock climbing inspired designs for climbers, misfits, and lovers. 

We seek to create spaces where individuals are free to be themselves. We may not all self-identify as climbers, whether we rock climb or not. Which is why we include the misfits: the beautiful spirits who don't fit into any predefined box or category. If climbing has taught us anything, it's how to be a better friend and partner as we hold each others' lives dearly by way of ropes. To climb is to love. Dynamite Starfish also believes in approaching life, climbing, and the outdoors with mindfulness for longevity of our lives and our planet's resources.

We offer our designs on t-shirts and tanks, which are carefully chosen for softness, comfort, and the least environmental impact.

Many of our tees are screen-printed by Leslie in Los Angeles, California. Our made-to-order items are printed using a network of printers that allow us to offer you a larger variety of designs and styles.

A few of our values:

• Live the life that makes you free.
• Respect nature and the outdoors.
• Create meaningful experiences.
• Find beauty in the everyday.
• Inspire one another.

And finally, what's with the name?

Dynamite Starfish is a climbing move! Check out the definition below.

"Tightly gripping handholds, simultaneously flagging out both legs then proceeding to violently kick downwards and inwards in a desperate attempt to produce upwards motion; making the climber resemble an explosive bottom feeder."

What does that mean to us? Regardless of how you may appear to others, keep trying. Continue to be bold and brave, and always open to learning.

Stay tuned for more projects to come!