Ryan began with OWA as a participant in 1996 and has progressed through the Staff Development Program, completing his internship in 1998 and becoming a guide during the summer of 2002. A native of Austin, Ryan has also worked as the OWA chef and currently attends the University of British Columbia in Vancouver while not adventuring. Ryan is an AMGA Top Rope Site Manager, is a Wilderness First Responder and NORBA Expert mountain bike racer. He has solid backcountry experience including several trips to Mexico's Copper Canyon and adventuring all over the western US. He is also one of the best single speed riders around completing many grueling mountain bike races and tough Colorado/Copper Canyon rides with only one gear.