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It was at Girl Scout camp that the then-12-year-old adventure seeker was first introduced to climbing. Beck was thrilled.
“Maybe the reason I stuck with climbing was that I was doing something that seemed impossible,” she said, smiling.
While climbing is not without risk, her parents were always supportive.
“They never wanted to tell me I couldn’t do something,” Beck said. “If they were nervous about it, they never said anything, they trusted me to be safe.”
More than two decades later, Beck, 33, is still an avid climber and an advocate for adaptive climbing across the country and around the world.
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“Climbing is amazing, you literally see the world from a perspective others don’t get to see it from,” she said.
A 2019 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, Beck will be a featured speaker at the upcoming Adventure Summit, Feb. 14-15, at Wright State University. She will present “Mo in the Mountains: Changing the World of Adaptive Climbing,” Saturday at 5 p.m. in the student union.
“I think people with disabilities have confidence, it’s more about convincing the able world that they can do it,” Beck said. “I’m not an inspirational speaker, that’s not my schtick. I’m more of a motivational speaker.”
Those in need of some motivation need to look no further than the Adventure Summit, the area’s premier outdoor adventure exposition, held in what is largely regarded as the Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Midwest — Dayton. From speakers recognized around the globe for their accomplishments to local outdoor enthusiasts, there is a full slate of presentations to enjoy, but the Adventure Summit is about more than listening — it’s about doing.
How about competing in an indoor triathlon, scaling a rock climbing wall, playing canoe battleship or trying pilates. You can do that and more at the Adventure Summit, which is free to attend for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and interest levels.
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Attend hands-on trainings, shop for gear, meet like-minded adventure seekers from local clubs and organizations or just enjoy some live music or a beer tasting. The Adventure Summit is designed to appeal to armchair adventurers, weekend warriors and adrenaline junkies alike.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
THINGS YOU CAN TRY THERE
• Bouldering
• Climbing
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Indoor Fitness Cycling
• Stretching for hikers, paddlers, Climbers
• Circuit training for outdoor lovers (TRX, battle ropes, kettlebells, dumbbells, etc.)
• Scuba (registration required)
• Kayaking
• Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga
COMPETITIONS IF YOU DARE
• Indoor Triathlon
• Bouldering Competition
• Canoe Battleship
ADVENTURE SUMMIT FEATURED SPEAKERS
Heather Anderson
“Tales from the Trail, Stories of Adventure in the Mountains,” Friday, Feb. 14, 8 p.m.
A 2019 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, Heather Anderson — known as Anish on the trail, is the first female to complete the Triple Crown (Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail) in one calendar year. Anderson also holds the record for fastest known time (FKT) on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and the Appalachian Trail (AT).
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Maureen Beck
“Mo in the Mountains: Changing the World of Adaptive Climbing,” Saturday, Feb. 15, 5 p.m.
A 2019 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, Maureen “Mo” Beck, born without her left hand and forearm, has been changing the world of adaptive climbing since she was 12. Beck is an athlete for The North Face and Sterling Rope. She has won four national titles and was the gold medal winner at the Paraclimbing World Championships in 2014 and 2016.
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Ryan Richardson
“Feeding the Rat: Joy and Suffering on the Mountain,” Saturday, Feb. 15, noon
A 2019 winner of the prestigious John Lauchlan Memorial Award, Ryan Richardson is a nomadic climber focused on the development of new routes in wild places. Richardson recently moved from Colorado to Canmore, Alberta, for the world class ice climbing and unexplored landscape.
CHECK OUT THE ADVENTURE SUMMIT
What: Adventure Summit 2020, a two-day event celebrating the spirit of outdoor adventure by showcasing the vibrant lifestyle and culture of human-powered endeavors through inspiration, education, and experience.
When: Feb. 14, 5-11 p.m.; Feb. 15, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Wright State University Student Union
More: For a complete list of events and daily schedule, visit http://theadventuresummit.com/
Cost: Free
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