Calling All Dirtbags! I’m excited to announce “The Dirtbag Fund.” As a soft launch of my new endeavor I will be giving away five “dirtbag grants” in 1k increments to the most worthy of dirtbags. I’m also teaming up with @fattire and @thenorthface to make sure that my dirtbags have beer and jackets!! As a long time groveler who launched a professional climbing career while living in a cave in Yosemite… the dirtbag ethos is very close to my heart. I remember how much every penny mattered back then. Now… I’m taking my influencer cash and paying it forward. I’m setting up the Dirtbag fund to recognize, support and amplify the voice of young climbers who are contributing to the culture and community of climbing, while scrapping by on next to nothing. I’m excited to support the next generation of psyched young climbers and help magnify their stories and reach. I also want to expand and redefine the where and who of dirtbagism. I’m hoping to award the money to a varied group of climbers… from desert rats, to gym rats… and outcasts to activists. “Dirtbags” in six figure sprinter vans need not apply. In return for the grant I am asking for video and photo content of the “Missions” that I am supporting, whether it is a hard climbing project, a cleanup, the first 5.14 on the moon, a chossy first ascent… I’m excited to share your stories and endeavors on my channels. To Apply email [email protected] with a short essay and some photos and maybe a video of you explaining why you deserve the cash and what you’d do if you get a dirtbag grant, along with links to any socials or cool stuff you want me to see. I’ll run the applications past my illustrious board of @lucho_rivera @marie_louise_ @alexhonnold and @sandy.russellc and get back with the winners asap. Spread the word and climb on!
I’m excited to announce my first #dirtbagfund “loser” 😜 @jamrockclimbing is leading the charge of route development in Jamaica. I was trying to keep my giving to North America, but this is just too worthy so I donated 420 euro to “Bolts for Jamaica” if you could go to the “go fund me” link in my bio and help them get to their goal that would be incredible. My friends at @fixehardware will also be shipping much needed hardware!Juan Luis has already developed over 100 routes in Jamaica, but beyond that @jamrockclimbing is introducing more locals to the sport, providing them with gear and instruction to climb safely, and his next project is to build a public climbing wall with the “aim of encouraging more people to try out the sport, especially those who can’t afford to travel to other parts of the island to climb.” I’ll be announcing more losers and winners over the coming weeks. Most recipients have already received their cash, but it’s important to me that each person gets their moment in the sun so the roll out will take some time. Woohoo!
I’m excited to announce my first #dirtbagfund “loser” 😜 @jamrockclimbing is leading the charge of route development in Jamaica. I was trying to keep my giving to North America, but this is just too worthy so I donated 420 euro to “Bolts for Jamaica” if you could go to the “go fund me” link in my bio and help them get to their goal that would be incredible. My friends at @fixehardware will also be shipping much needed hardware!Juan Luis has already developed over 100 routes in Jamaica, but beyond that @jamrockclimbing is introducing more locals to the sport, providing them with gear and instruction to climb safely, and his next project is to build a public climbing wall with the “aim of encouraging more people to try out the sport, especially those who can’t afford to travel to other parts of the island to climb.” I’ll be announcing more losers and winners over the coming weeks. Most recipients have already received their cash, but it’s important to me that each person gets their moment in the sun so the roll out will take some time. Woohoo!
I’m excited to announce my first #dirtbagfund “loser” 😜 @jamrockclimbing is leading the charge of route development in Jamaica. I was trying to keep my giving to North America, but this is just too worthy so I donated 420 euro to “Bolts for Jamaica” if you could go to the “go fund me” link in my bio and help them get to their goal that would be incredible. My friends at @fixehardware will also be shipping much needed hardware!Juan Luis has already developed over 100 routes in Jamaica, but beyond that @jamrockclimbing is introducing more locals to the sport, providing them with gear and instruction to climb safely, and his next project is to build a public climbing wall with the “aim of encouraging more people to try out the sport, especially those who can’t afford to travel to other parts of the island to climb.” I’ll be announcing more losers and winners over the coming weeks. Most recipients have already received their cash, but it’s important to me that each person gets their moment in the sun so the roll out will take some time. Woohoo!
I’m excited to announce my first #dirtbagfund “loser” 😜 @jamrockclimbing is leading the charge of route development in Jamaica. I was trying to keep my giving to North America, but this is just too worthy so I donated 420 euro to “Bolts for Jamaica” if you could go to the “go fund me” link in my bio and help them get to their goal that would be incredible. My friends at @fixehardware will also be shipping much needed hardware!Juan Luis has already developed over 100 routes in Jamaica, but beyond that @jamrockclimbing is introducing more locals to the sport, providing them with gear and instruction to climb safely, and his next project is to build a public climbing wall with the “aim of encouraging more people to try out the sport, especially those who can’t afford to travel to other parts of the island to climb.” I’ll be announcing more losers and winners over the coming weeks. Most recipients have already received their cash, but it’s important to me that each person gets their moment in the sun so the roll out will take some time. Woohoo!
I’m excited to announce my first #dirtbagfund “loser” 😜 @jamrockclimbing is leading the charge of route development in Jamaica. I was trying to keep my giving to North America, but this is just too worthy so I donated 420 euro to “Bolts for Jamaica” if you could go to the “go fund me” link in my bio and help them get to their goal that would be incredible. My friends at @fixehardware will also be shipping much needed hardware!Juan Luis has already developed over 100 routes in Jamaica, but beyond that @jamrockclimbing is introducing more locals to the sport, providing them with gear and instruction to climb safely, and his next project is to build a public climbing wall with the “aim of encouraging more people to try out the sport, especially those who can’t afford to travel to other parts of the island to climb.” I’ll be announcing more losers and winners over the coming weeks. Most recipients have already received their cash, but it’s important to me that each person gets their moment in the sun so the roll out will take some time. Woohoo!
I’m excited to announce my first #dirtbagfund “loser” 😜 @jamrockclimbing is leading the charge of route development in Jamaica. I was trying to keep my giving to North America, but this is just too worthy so I donated 420 euro to “Bolts for Jamaica” if you could go to the “go fund me” link in my bio and help them get to their goal that would be incredible. My friends at @fixehardware will also be shipping much needed hardware!Juan Luis has already developed over 100 routes in Jamaica, but beyond that @jamrockclimbing is introducing more locals to the sport, providing them with gear and instruction to climb safely, and his next project is to build a public climbing wall with the “aim of encouraging more people to try out the sport, especially those who can’t afford to travel to other parts of the island to climb.” I’ll be announcing more losers and winners over the coming weeks. Most recipients have already received their cash, but it’s important to me that each person gets their moment in the sun so the roll out will take some time. Woohoo!
I’m excited to announce my first #dirtbagfund “loser” 😜 @jamrockclimbing is leading the charge of route development in Jamaica. I was trying to keep my giving to North America, but this is just too worthy so I donated 420 euro to “Bolts for Jamaica” if you could go to the “go fund me” link in my bio and help them get to their goal that would be incredible. My friends at @fixehardware will also be shipping much needed hardware!Juan Luis has already developed over 100 routes in Jamaica, but beyond that @jamrockclimbing is introducing more locals to the sport, providing them with gear and instruction to climb safely, and his next project is to build a public climbing wall with the “aim of encouraging more people to try out the sport, especially those who can’t afford to travel to other parts of the island to climb.” I’ll be announcing more losers and winners over the coming weeks. Most recipients have already received their cash, but it’s important to me that each person gets their moment in the sun so the roll out will take some time. Woohoo!
Wow, the response to The Dirtbag Fund has been great! If you missed my last post check it out…. but the gist is I’m handing out five grants of 1k each to young climbers who are contributing to the culture of climbing while getting by on next to nothing. There will also be some free beer from @fattire and some clothing from @thenorthface … You can apply at [email protected] I’ve had some people asking if they can donate to the fund, so I’ve set that up. You can click on the link in my bio, or go to cedarwright.com website and click on “The Dirtbag Fund” Tab. For the sake of full transparency, this is not a non-profit, mostly because the expense and paperwork hassle of setting up a non-profit was completely prohibitive and I realized that I could put more money in the hands of young climbers faster by just making it happen. The Dirtbags will be payed as “private contractors,” and will have to fill out a w-9. I will not be taking a single dime of donated funds, and right now I’ve received 240 dollars, so if I can get that amount up to another 1k, then that will allow for another grant. I’m hoping to grow the scope and amount of giving I can do over time and am excited to work with other companies or partners who might want to magnify this. My friends at @yerba_cha have offered to hook up the dirtbags with their delicious sparkling Yerba Mate, and since there seems to be some momentum here, hit me up if you are a brand or baller who would like to contribute to the grantees in some way. Most importantly spread the word, even if you feel like you might not fit into the typical “dirtbag,” definition, if you are living below the poverty line and love climbing you are eligible for the grant. I will be announcing the recipients this summer so apply now! More soon! Thanks!
Dirtbags!!! It’s still not too late to apply for my Dirtbag Fund grants. 1-2k grants for those folks out there who are forgoing modern conveniences to chase their passion for climbing! If you have an expedition, a project, or a creative vision you’d like some assist with… go to the link in my profile and apply! Last year I helped get a couple beater dirtbag-mobiles back on the road, introduced some newbs to climbing, paid for a few bolts in Jamaica, supported a young writer, helped out with an alpine climbing trip to India, paid for some rectum stitches… spent a lot of time on the phone chatting with dirtbags and gave some young filmmakers a little cash and de-mentoring. 😂 also … if you’d like a to distribute a little climbing flick through my channels to help support dirtbag stoke that’s a conversation I want to have as well so… Apply!!! Also some of the recipients received gear from @thenorthface @thenorthface_climb @lasportivana @fattire @blackdiamond 😎❤️
💰 for dirtbags!!! The Dirtbag Fund has received over 100 applications so far. It has been super heartwarming to see the stoke and response and I wish I had a million dollars to go full Oprah and give everyone a grant. Dirtbag? Who am I looking for? What and who qualifies is intentionally as broad as my love for all aspects of climbing. This grant is for dirtbags looking to climb their dream projects, finish a local guidebook, support their local crag, build their community, buy burritos, become a guide, promote environmental and social causes, and everything in between. If this is the first you have heard I am giving away 5 “grants” of 1k to young climbers who are contributing to the culture and sport of climbing while getting by on next to nothing. Additionally you’ll receive some beer from @fattire if you drink and are 21, as well as some gear from @thenorthface …If you applied but didn’t send a video of you giving your pitch on what you will do w the cash and why you deserve the hook up, please send in a video that I can add to your application. It can be a simple selfie video. Also, I have now received enough cash from donations…link in profile if you want to donate, that there will 💯 for sure be at least one more round of grants later this year… and I am fully committed to making this a yearly spreading of the love. …but applications are still open for this round, so if you or someone who you think embodies the dirtbag ethos is deserving…spread the word and apply. Please send in a short essay along with photos and most importantly a short video giving your pitch to [email protected] photo is from my dirtbag heyday freeclimbing el cap w @nick_bartino
Dirtbag Fund Update! The Response to the dirtbag fund has been awesome and a bit overwhelming! First I’m excited to announce that I’ve drummed up some more support from @lasportivana who is going to be giving a free pair of climbing shoes to 6 lucky folks!… and @fixehardware who will be outfitting some first ascent dirtbags with bolts, @blackdiamond who is going to be hooking up tradsters with cams! Also 🙏to OGs @fattire and @thenorthface …. I’ve also raised enough money from generous individual donations to award more than 5 dirtbag grants…and am geared up for another round of grant applications some time this winter. If you want to donate, go to the link in my profile, or my website. All proceeds go to the dirtbags. With over 200 applicants, it is going to be impossible to spread the love to everyone, but I am going to take at least an additional 3k and spread it out to the dirtbag “losers” because it is impossible to narrow it down to 5 people! I will be announcing and posting content from the losers very soon, and then announcing the full grant recipients by the end of the month. Some of the winners are traditional dirtbags but I’m also spreading the love to the city and other worthy causes as well… all to unfold!! Going through all of the applications has been heartwarming and I’m happy to report that the dirtbag is not dead! At the heart the dirtbag fund is a celebration of climbing culture, of taking a less traditional path, of prioritizing experience over money. For me personally my dirtbag days of my 20s into my early 30s were amazing. If I can keep a couple young climbers on the road for a little longer, that brings a great big smile to my face. Anyways… sorry for the slow rollout, but it’s been a monumental task trying to decide who gets the cash! 👊❤️
I’m happy to announce one of the recipients of the dirtbag fund, meet @heyitsmayjay Marian ~May~ Perez (they/she) is out here showing folks that you can prioritize climbing and enjoy life how you want it. May fell in love with climbing while working at REI in New Jersey and then decided to move to the Gunks at the end of 2020 to pursue her passion full time. They were fortunate to be welcomed into the community and mentored in the ways of traditional climbing. Now May is mentoring others and is passionate about normalising diversity in the outdoors with the belief that #representationmatters. They self identify as queer and a first-generation child of parents from the Dominican Republic. So not your average white dude at the crag 😉 May is extremely giving of her time and energy. May is the Events Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator with @heyflashfoxy , a local NY leader for @browngirlsclimb , a mentor for @kinshipclimbingcollective , and cofounded a non profit guide service based out of the Shawangunks in upstate NY called @riseoutsidecollective Thanks to the Dirtbag Grant, May is hosting a two day skills retreat with @nycclimbingcollective, a community based non profit organization working to promote equity in climbing for all people in the New York City metropolitan area through community building, education, and access. Special thanks to @fattire for financially supporting this grant.
I’m happy to announce one of the recipients of the dirtbag fund, meet @heyitsmayjay Marian ~May~ Perez (they/she) is out here showing folks that you can prioritize climbing and enjoy life how you want it. May fell in love with climbing while working at REI in New Jersey and then decided to move to the Gunks at the end of 2020 to pursue her passion full time. They were fortunate to be welcomed into the community and mentored in the ways of traditional climbing. Now May is mentoring others and is passionate about normalising diversity in the outdoors with the belief that #representationmatters. They self identify as queer and a first-generation child of parents from the Dominican Republic. So not your average white dude at the crag 😉 May is extremely giving of her time and energy. May is the Events Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator with @heyflashfoxy , a local NY leader for @browngirlsclimb , a mentor for @kinshipclimbingcollective , and cofounded a non profit guide service based out of the Shawangunks in upstate NY called @riseoutsidecollective Thanks to the Dirtbag Grant, May is hosting a two day skills retreat with @nycclimbingcollective, a community based non profit organization working to promote equity in climbing for all people in the New York City metropolitan area through community building, education, and access. Special thanks to @fattire for financially supporting this grant.
I’m happy to announce one of the recipients of the dirtbag fund, meet @heyitsmayjay Marian ~May~ Perez (they/she) is out here showing folks that you can prioritize climbing and enjoy life how you want it. May fell in love with climbing while working at REI in New Jersey and then decided to move to the Gunks at the end of 2020 to pursue her passion full time. They were fortunate to be welcomed into the community and mentored in the ways of traditional climbing. Now May is mentoring others and is passionate about normalising diversity in the outdoors with the belief that #representationmatters. They self identify as queer and a first-generation child of parents from the Dominican Republic. So not your average white dude at the crag 😉 May is extremely giving of her time and energy. May is the Events Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator with @heyflashfoxy , a local NY leader for @browngirlsclimb , a mentor for @kinshipclimbingcollective , and cofounded a non profit guide service based out of the Shawangunks in upstate NY called @riseoutsidecollective Thanks to the Dirtbag Grant, May is hosting a two day skills retreat with @nycclimbingcollective, a community based non profit organization working to promote equity in climbing for all people in the New York City metropolitan area through community building, education, and access. Special thanks to @fattire for financially supporting this grant.
I’m happy to announce one of the recipients of the dirtbag fund, meet @heyitsmayjay Marian ~May~ Perez (they/she) is out here showing folks that you can prioritize climbing and enjoy life how you want it. May fell in love with climbing while working at REI in New Jersey and then decided to move to the Gunks at the end of 2020 to pursue her passion full time. They were fortunate to be welcomed into the community and mentored in the ways of traditional climbing. Now May is mentoring others and is passionate about normalising diversity in the outdoors with the belief that #representationmatters. They self identify as queer and a first-generation child of parents from the Dominican Republic. So not your average white dude at the crag 😉 May is extremely giving of her time and energy. May is the Events Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator with @heyflashfoxy , a local NY leader for @browngirlsclimb , a mentor for @kinshipclimbingcollective , and cofounded a non profit guide service based out of the Shawangunks in upstate NY called @riseoutsidecollective Thanks to the Dirtbag Grant, May is hosting a two day skills retreat with @nycclimbingcollective, a community based non profit organization working to promote equity in climbing for all people in the New York City metropolitan area through community building, education, and access. Special thanks to @fattire for financially supporting this grant.
I’m happy to announce one of the recipients of the dirtbag fund, meet @heyitsmayjay Marian ~May~ Perez (they/she) is out here showing folks that you can prioritize climbing and enjoy life how you want it. May fell in love with climbing while working at REI in New Jersey and then decided to move to the Gunks at the end of 2020 to pursue her passion full time. They were fortunate to be welcomed into the community and mentored in the ways of traditional climbing. Now May is mentoring others and is passionate about normalising diversity in the outdoors with the belief that #representationmatters. They self identify as queer and a first-generation child of parents from the Dominican Republic. So not your average white dude at the crag 😉 May is extremely giving of her time and energy. May is the Events Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator with @heyflashfoxy , a local NY leader for @browngirlsclimb , a mentor for @kinshipclimbingcollective , and cofounded a non profit guide service based out of the Shawangunks in upstate NY called @riseoutsidecollective Thanks to the Dirtbag Grant, May is hosting a two day skills retreat with @nycclimbingcollective, a community based non profit organization working to promote equity in climbing for all people in the New York City metropolitan area through community building, education, and access. Special thanks to @fattire for financially supporting this grant.
I just returned from a month long exploratory paragliding and climbing trip to the Hunza region of the Karakoram mountains of Pakistan with. @davidmt_chen @rob___curran and @jeffreylongcor 🇵🇰🗻⛅️For adventurous mountain pilots, Pakistan is about as epic as it gets, and I found the whole experience to be equal parts intimidating, outrageous, educational and cathartic. Getting yarded to 21,000 feet in a thermal and then flying over 6000 meter peaks and past 7k giants is pretty mind melting! 🤯Beyond the flying, I was completely charmed by the culture, the food and the unparalleled Pakistani hospitality. ❤️I achieved a long time goal of “flying to climb” on the trip which I’ll share later, and this along with all kinds of other hijinks from the team will be part of a longer film about the adventure that I’ll try to finish as quickly as I can. For now enjoy some flying clips! Ideas for a title for the film? Also… now that I’m back I’ll be sharing more about the dirtbag fund. The money has been doled out and adventures are going down, which fills my heart! Anyways, it’s great to be back safely home after a very epic month.
Ozone has pushed glider and harness technology to the bleeding edge, but now we are putting the performance in your hands… literally… with Ozone hand Fairings. Incorporating photon and submarine technology, our new hand fairings remove the last bit of drag in the system… your hands. In collaboration with pilot Cedar Wright we have tested these Ozone Hand Submarines in the world’s harshest flying conditions and are excited to announce they offer a full point of enhancement in glide. Welcome to the next level. The world is in your hands. Thanks to @ozoneparagliders @arianntudor @go.upside.down @goodnessgravity
My bestest hiking buddy @allterrainbernie and my lovely boss lady @nmilfeld … the content we need!
Fly to Climb Pakistan 2023! After years of talking about it and gaining the requisite paragliding skills to not kill myself trying, I achieved a long time goal this summer of using my paraglider to access remote climbing. Myself and @davidmt_chen flew to an alpine cirque at 14 thousand feet in the Karakoram managed a technical and dynamic landing and then climbed a first ascent on a small but beautiful 300 foot spire. We scratched the surface as there were countless granite spires and a lifetime of climbing in this alpine paradise! David was the perfect partner for this mission, a high quality, one of a kind, classic, China born, Kiwi raised, American seasoned nutball, housing the right mix of climbing and paragliding skills, and a healthy sense of adventure. This was more of a proof of concept and test run. The next step in the journey is to head back to this cirque next year for a multi day adventure and do it proper, tagging some of the bigger more impressive objectives in this alpine paradise! But while not the main event… what a magic day out, thermaling up to 18k feet, flying cross country into the deepness, landing, climbing… and then flying home for dinner! @thenorthface @ozoneparagliders @jeffreylongcor @rob___curran
“I remember driving up to launch for my first mountain flights with a mix of dread and excitement, but I caught my first thermal that day, and flew with a red-tail hawk. That was it, mind exploded. For me, flying is a fresh way to explore the world on a really macro scale. It’s quite a contrast from my 30 years spent exploring the micro scale in rock climbing. I love that feeling of nervous uncertainty at the start of a big flight. I love encountering the unexpected. I love trying to build mental models for a chaotic and invisible force! I love the way you have to adapt and evolve with the changing conditions of the day. I love optimizing and pushing my psychological and intellectual abilities. I love how outrageous and otherworldly it feels to be transported long distances with wind, string and fabric. And I love that paragliding has a wonderful community of people that I love dearly” World-famous climber turned paragliding addict, Cedar Wright @cedarwright Ozone People is a new film series that brings our audience into the flying lives of our friends who find their essence in the air. Video by @karlstezlick #ozonepeople #flyozone
The Dirtbag Fund! So much stoke, and good energy! My heart is full. Announcing winners and losers soon😜 @thecircuitcircus @nickisimon @carlin.trustme @etaiveaho @kbreakfast @heyitsmayjay @elainelliott @crustacean_black @karabeeer @iclimbwalz @gabo.rocks @mantmant @00_shannie @jamrockclimbing in this reel. Love seeing all these young dirtbags chasing their climbing dreams. Stoked I get to help in some small way. I will start by announcing losers soon. But losers at the dirtbag fund are still winning smaller chunks of cash and products specific to their needs from @thenorthface @fattire @lasportivana @blackdiamond @bluewaterropes @fixehardware @yerba_cha @dirtbagbar
#throwback to last summer! Can’t wait for another season of sweating off holds. 🤠 Last year I spent my time between Wyoming and Squamish and was fortunate to have @cedarwright give me a dirtbag fund. 🫶 I bought a jackery to make working on the road easier, updated my trad and ski gear, and got gas money for Canada. Thanks, Cedar! Psyched to see the fund is staying alive for another season of shenanigans. 🥳🥲 #onelesssprinter #neverstopexploring
