Ron Kauk
Ron draws from his wide range of experiences in climbing, which include bouldering (first ascent of Midnight Lightning), long routes (first free ascent of Astroman), and mountaineering (first ascent East Face of Uli Biaho, Pakistan). Ron formed a vision from these experiences, which he turned into Sacred Rok, a nonprofit that seeks the wisdom of nature’s way, bringing young people into the world of Yosemite.
I stood in wonder during a walk through the valley, at day 10 or something, as the exaggerated drama played out once again in this microcosm of America – a seven-mile long, mile-and-a-half wide sacred place on earth. It was as if the place could hear itself think, or simply just talk the real language…
It’s been a nice summer. Sacred Rok had four camping trips, two in Yosemite Valley in May and June and two at Tuolumne Meadows in July and August. Editor's note: Last December we started a new series, Yosemite Dispatches,with longtime Patagonia ambassador Ron Kauk. In his April dispatch, Ron described a new summer project called…
In today’s audio dispatch, our friend and ambassador Ron Kauk introduces a new non-profit project he’s been working on with Kenji Hakuta, professor of education at Stanford University. Listen to “Sacred Rok” (MP3 – right-click to download) Sacred Rok provides the chance for small groups of young people between the ages of 14 and 21…
Climbing and yoga are often compared for their ability to transport us into the moment. In today’s dispatch, Ron touches on both disciplines and another activity that connects them. Listen to “Learning to Walk Again”(mp3 – right-click to download – music: “Chuya” by Sus Corez) Return to Balance: A Climber’s Journey is available through…
At the age of 14, Patagonia ambassador Ron Kauk left for a 20-day backpacking trip through the Sierra with a high school group and the hook that would tie him to large, expansive spaces was set. After that trip, he didn’t want to ride bikes with the other teenagers. He wanted to rappel. He traveled…
Editor’s note: Whenever Patagoina ambassador Ron Kauk visits the office I always try to track him down and say hello. I have great respect for Ron even though I’m not much of a climber. His love for Nature is deep and he seems to carry the spirit of Yosemite with him wherever he goes. Here’s…