RYAN WATERS
WHERE HE CALLS HOME: Boulder, CO
HIS STORY: Ryan grew up in the southeast and after a stint as a geologist decided to give up the normal life, to follow his passion for climbing, travel and to pursue expeditions to the great mountain ranges. While living in Argentina, he and a friend decided to start their own mountain guiding company, so they migrated back up to Boulder and founded Mountain Professionals.
Ryan now has been climbing and guiding on every continent for 18 years, with 22 Himalayan expeditions including 5 ascents of Everest and 13 times standing on top of 8,000 meter peaks. He was the first American to finish the True Adventurers Grand Slam by climbing the Seven Summits and skiing full length unsupported and unassisted trips to the North and South Poles. The first time he skied to the south pole was on a 70-day, 1200 mile first crossing of Antarctica without resupplies or kites from Berkner Island to the Ross Ice Shelf. Though he considers himself primarily a mountain climber and guide, he also leads polar skiing expeditions and holds a Master Polar Guide certification.
HIS STOKE OF CHOICE: "A French Press of First Tracks."
FOLLOW RYAN'S ADVENTURES ON INSTAGRAM! @ryanwatersphoto