Surfer Ian Walsh Shreds Alaska’s Highest Peak

Jul 08, 2019

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Final Preparations as I gear up to embark on what may be my biggest adventure yet, Denali. I’m joining forces with @roam @travelindan @nick_russelll @forrestshearer @harry_kearney @jerryjmark @nathanielmurphy @clark_bird and @erichroepke to spend a full month living on the glacier and picking off objectives The whole team will be sharing updates from the trip via satellite so make sure to stay tuned. This is a world away from my comfort zone and I’m excited to bring you along as we set out to climb and ride the tallest mountain in North America. >> Photo 2 by @bjarnesalen

A post shared by Ian Walsh (@ian.walsh) on Jun 7, 2019 at 1:10pm PDT

For much of his life, Ian Walsh has been best known as a professional surfer. Born and raised on Maui, it was only natural that surfing would be his boardsport of choice. However, Walsh has entered the world of big-mountain snowboarding after being introduced to the sport by TGR’s Jones brothers.

Over the past month, Walsh, Danny Davis, Nick Russell, Forrest Shearer, and several other snowboarders headed up to Alaska to spend time exploring Denali, North America’s tallest peak. They achieved their goal of boarding off Denali’s summit, and ticked off some other lines in the area. Check out the highlights from their trip below:

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It’s about an 8 hour mission from our drop off point to camp 1. Each of us carrying roughly 140 pounds of gear but progress has been strong. The stoke is high and couldn’t ask for a better team on a mission like this. Thanks to @newdayinvesting and @jonessnowboards for the support!

A post shared by Ian Walsh (@ian.walsh) on Jun 20, 2019 at 4:06pm PDT

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June 12th - Successfully made it to 14K camp and did some early organization. In order to lighten our loads we set a cache up at about 11,000 ft. Today we cruised down, picked up the remaining gear and get the last of it back to 14K. Once we are fully set up we’ll be able to start moving upwards and get acclimatized. The best part of moving up towards the 16-17K range will be riding our way back down. #denalssurfteam

A post shared by Ian Walsh (@ian.walsh) on Jun 22, 2019 at 12:09pm PDT

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June 15th - Today is all about getting as acclimatized as possible before we push for the summit. We’ve been probing up towards 15,000 ft then riding back down to camp. Besides being a lot of fun, climbing high and sleeping low (ish) helps our bodies adjust to the massive change in elevation. It’s amazing how quickly the human body adapts to this “new normal”. Here @forrestshearer rides a chunk of the “Rescue Gully” & boys on a bit of the “Orient Express” reaching about 16,300 ft and gettin some solid turns on the way down. #denalssurfteam

A post shared by Ian Walsh (@ian.walsh) on Jun 25, 2019 at 11:53am PDT

Zack Skovron

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Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, now living in Jackson, WY. I’m an avid skier, biker, hiker, climber, and fisherman. Outside of sports, my major interests focus on public policy surrounding land use and energy systems.

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Surfer Ian Walsh Shreds Alaska’s Highest Peak

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