Explorer Spotlight: Joel Bear
Name: Joel Ross | Age: 23 | Location: Temecula, California and Denver, Colorado
What’s your day job?
Lifestyle and Adventure Photographer
What are your favorite things to do outside?
Surf, Climb, Ski, Slackline, Trial Run, Roadtrip, Backpack, Yoga, and Flyfish
What first drew you to the outdoors?
I've been brought up in adventurous family, so heading to Yosemite for a week to flyfish or to Joshua Tree to climb has always been something I've grown up with.
Who’s your number one adventure partner-in-crime? Who inspires you?
My wife Maggie. She inspires me and pushes me to my limits. We travel and explore everywhere together.
What’s your favorite hometown adventure?
In California, my favorite adventure is to head down to Cardiff by the Sea with my wife and paddle out for a surf. Whether it's 2 foot or 12, we really enjoy the long waves and the mellow vibes that this place has to offer. In Denver, we love to head over to Estes Park and to explore Rocky Mountain National Park. There’s something so wonderful about being around so many 14ers.
What’s on the top of your must-do adventure list right now?
A surf trip from San Diego to Seattle. There's so much uncharted coast and beautiful surf that I’m craving to slide.
What’s your essential gear that never gets left at home?
Sony a7, iPhones, Rareform Boots / Chacos, Fjallraven Down Jacket, Steripen, Mizu Canteen, Goal Zero Nomad 7 Solar Panel, TOPO Design Klettersack, and Larabars.
What’s your favorite trail snack?
Our homemade Fig Bars with chai and sesame seeds.
Any go-to soundtracks when you’re hitting the road?
Right now its Ben Howard - "I Forgot Where We Were", is our jam.
Show us your most memorable photo, and tell us about it!
This photo is so memorable to us because of the feeling it evokes. This is Taft Point in Yosemite, with the sunset on El Capitan as Tommy Caldwell was climbing the wall across the Valley. It was just so inspiring to us.
And last but not least…What’s your personal motto?
"Only storms make noble sailors.” Learning to embrace the storms of life and push through has been a passion of ours.
Check out more of Joel's adventures here.
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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