Meet the Shoestring Warriors, the adventurers who make up our community!
Shoestring Warrior: Ari
Current Location:
Culver City, California
Profession:
Automotive Interior Repair and Reconditioning
What are your passions outside of work?
I’ve belonged to an off-road motorcycle club since i was 13 or so. I’m a shooting enthusiast/hunter. I play bass in a punk rock band called Shut Up. I’m still a video game and comic nerd. While I’m a slow reader, I really enjoy a good fantasy or science fiction novel. I travel as much as I can.
How would you describe your level of camping experience?
Advanced – I go every chance I can get!
Tell us about your Shoestring Adventures!
Oh boy, so many! Six and counting, plus a few bonus trips. With Shoestring Adventures, I’ve been to hot springs and ancient tree forests, walked among giant sequoias, left my foot prints in sand dunes, tested my fear of heights climbing down a 150-ft waterfall, explored slot canyons, hiked to a desert oasis, off-loaded to an ashram hidden in the Sierras, backpacked along the Lost Coast. Those are just a few off the top of my mind. I’ve met a ton of interesting people with all levels of experience, and we’ve always had a great time.
What advice do you have for first-time campers who want to get outdoors?
Just do it. You don’t have to be experienced or buy a bunch of expensive gear to get outdoors. Take advantage of gear rental companies like GetOutfitted to test gear before you buy… Or you can go full gear junkie crazy like me and require a section of your home just for camping/backpacking/hiking gear.
Someone once told me that I would regret in my old age all the things and trips I said no to in my youth, so I try to say yes and get out and do as much as I can. Do yourselves a favor, and get out there! See what the world has to offer, and I promise you won’t regret it.
The perfect s’more?
I’m not a big s’mores fan, but I’ll eat the chocolate and have a beer if you join me.
Love this quote: “Someone once told me that I would regret in my old age all the things and trips I said no to in my youth, so I try to say yes and get out and do as much as I can.”