Episode #52- Quinn Brett & Sam Sala

The Climbing Advocate

On this month’s episode, we are joined by Quinn Brett and Sam Sala. Quinn is an adaptive athlete and prominent voice in the adaptive space. As an avid recreationist, she provides her view on how outdoor accessibility can be improved in our national parks and other outdoor spaces. Sam is an instructor at Paradox Sports where he works with Quinn and other adaptive climbers. Across his tenure, he has gained a first-hand appreciation for how improved accessibility enriches the outdoor experiences for adaptive athletes. The pair discuss some of the barriers, challenges, and successes that they have seen in the adaptive world and what they hope to see in the future. We hope this brings you a better perspective on accessibility in the outdoors, adaptive climbing, and inclusivity for adaptive athletes. 5:48- Quinn and Sam’s climbing histories 10:12- Accessible terminology 101 13:47- What Quinn noticed was missing in accessibility in the outdoors 20:38- Sam’s beginnings with adaptive athletes 26:12- Successes/progress they have seen over the years 33:26- A universal trail in national parks & meshing with Wilderness areas 38:27- Great American Outdoors Act & funding accessible infrastructure 41:26- Quinn is still doing cool sh*t 46:14- How to support adaptive athletes 52:42- Trail etiquette 54:12- Adaptive climbing technology Quinn’s Instagram: @quinndolina Sam's Instagram: @fearthenbeer Paradox Sports: https://www.paradoxsports.org/ A Climb for Greater Accessibility: https://www.rei.com/blog/climb/a-climb-for-greater-accessibility