As a newcomer to the Sanuk team, Ronnie Dickson brings a unique element to the table. You see, Ronnie lost his leg above the knee almost six years ago. Amputation required Ronnie to search for different ways to engage himself. Two years later and determined to stay positive, he found his new passion- Climbing.
We hooked up with Mr. Dickson through a series of fortunate events and soon found out he’s a rad dude with a big smile and even bigger dreams. Recently, the Sanuk Squad made their way out to Joshua Tree for an amputee climbing clinic hosted by Ronnie and his friends.
Today we’ve brought Ronnie to the blog to share some words on his story and the clinic. The following words are from the happyhead himself:
I started climbing four years ago as a recent above the knee amputee. I found climbing by chance, and have been hooked ever since. It brought together the traveling and adventure that I enjoyed with my life and also got me set with a new challenge to pour all my energy into. Climbing was cool because everybody has to learn the way their body works on the rock, and it didn’t matter that I had one leg.
I used to do all my climbing without a prosthetic leg, but over the course of the past four years I have rigged up some adaptive equipment and adapted my style to where I almost exclusively to all of my climbing with my leg on. I have accomplished things that I never thought were possible and have met many amazing people along the way.
It has always been my belief that climbing is an accessible sport for people with disabilities, so it has been my goal over the past two years to introduce as many people with disabilities to climbing as possible. I have been very successful in this, introducing hundreds of people with disabilities to climbing through various indoor clinics around the country.
My vision finally came to fruition on April 9th in the So Cal desert at Joshua Tree National Park. We were able to introduce 13 persons with disabilities to their first outdoor climbing experience. Everybody made it up to the top of the wall and was able to enjoy the mostly sunny day out in Josh after the weather settled down.
I have to say that it was wild, encountering a fifteen minute bout of snow in the fifty degree heat out in the otherwise cloudless desert, but I suppose stranger things have happened.
The clinic was made possible by many people and it was great to have the crew from Sanuk come out and join us for the day. The prosthetic foot that I have cannot be set up with sandals so it has been nice to finally find a pair of shoes that feel like sandals. There is nothing like going from a pair of climbing shoes into footwear that feels like walking on clouds.
I am already looking forward to next year. My vision has been to make this a series of clinics that travels around the country. It has been great to take my passion and be able to pass that onto others. Bottom line: If you have something that you are really excited and psyched about…
Our friend Calvin Saxton (a.k.a Kid Creature) may not have his driver’s license yet, but that doesn’t mean he can’t throw one groovy party!
Behold, photo evidence of the Kid Creature Winter Party held at Captain’s Helmin Oceanside. The shindig popped off in a big way to raise money (and stoke) for Cystic Fibrosis research…YARR!
Earth to Cal- Come in Cal.
Things were elbow to elbow for the Hindu Piates performance.
TRMRS on stage. Happenin’ dudes and tubular babes dancin’.
The Creature himself manning the goods battle-station.
Look out below!
Longboard extraordinaire, Alek Knost, performing with his band, Tomorrows Tulips.
What about closing streets down so you can get your Shawn-White on?
Then December 11th may just be your lucky day… since Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach is being taken over for the first ever Spyder Snow Fest!
This time, they’re bringin’ snow to the sand by building a snowboard terrain park for pro and ams to get their shred on!
The day will include rails and boxes borrowed from Mammoth Mt., a best trick contest, music from local acts, swag from top Snow industry brands, booths with children’s activities, tons of season grub, and of course the traditional Hermosa Beach Tree Lighting ceremony. Oh, it’s magical alright.
Mid-way through the festivities Mt. Hermosa will be open to the public, for a once in a lifetime Hermosa Beach sledding experience!
Did we mention Santa will be there? Yep. He’s been working on his corked-out 1080 mute grab.
Because you’re reading this, you’ve clearly achieved some mastery over this new fangled thing called the Internet… Either that or you just got really, really, ridiculously lucky and landed on our blog. Either way, Congratulations! We’re glad you stopped by.
While you’re here, allow us to introduce you to a newly acquired friend of ours: Debbie Lavdas(a.k.a Debbie in the OC).
Debbie is a freelance writer,YouTube videocaster and avid flip-flop fanatic. Her weekly stories on what’s happening in Orange County (our home) cover everything from events, style, green and even health. Debbie’s unique spotlights showcase the latest trends, greatest happenings and hidden gems Orange County has to offer. Basically, she roams the county strategically so you don’t have to aimlessly. Pretty schnazzy right? We thought so too.
Recently, Debbie dropped into Sanuk HQ (unsolicited might we add) where she met up with our media-magicians andSANUK NEWS Lead Anchors Joey Maiocco and Scott “Bone” Nichols, to get the low down on what we’ve been up to… Oh, she’s a brave soul.
Like her vibe? Want to see more! Then, check Debbie out on:
Every year surf retail juggernaut (and friends of Sanuk), Huntington Surf and Sport, hosts their annual “SanO Day”. As an old school, family-style beach day at San Onofre State Beach, SanO Day has become a full-fledged day-o-fun.
Everyone from HSS shop employees and family members to friends and random passersby’s turn out to share some waves, get crispy and celebrate summer like it’s nobody’s business.
Even though SanO Day did have a few “official” sponsors for the event, that didn’t stop Sanuk from sneaking in some fünk to the party. All was calm and collected until suddenly, out of nowhere, Official Donny mustaches started popping up unexpectedly. The Secret ‘Stache Sneak Attack was in full effect. Bow-chica-bow-wow!
A now, a few shots taken amongst the madness…
HSS Employees of the Day feeling Sanukified!
Sanuk Intern, Adam “Walk the Talk” Walker reporting for duty!
