Andy is a native Oregonian who grew up spending time outdoors with his family. Since joining the Mazamas a decade ago, he has volunteered in many capacities, from climb leader to skill builder instructor. He’s even managed to focus a fair bit of his work-related life on the outdoors too, as a land-use planner and landscape architect.
Name: Andy Nuttbrock
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Year Joined Mazamas: 2014
Present-day outdoor activities: Climbing, Hiking, Skiing (Backcountry, Downhill, Nordic)
What’s your earliest outdoor memory? My earliest memories involve camping and fishing with my family. We had a place at Cape Kiwanda, before it was what it is today, and a Dory boat. I remember many weekends deep sea fishing. I learned to drive a boat, as well as drive a car to park the truck and trailer, at the age of 10 (It was the 70’s).
How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? Our friends (Tom and Laura Baughman) took the Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP) and told me that I would love it. It took a couple years, but I finally took BCEP and was automatically hooked.
As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? There is so much information to allow folks to get out there and recreate, but they should be mindful where that information comes from. I would recommend folks go through reliable channels to get the skills they desire. Organizations such as the Mazamas are a great start. Also, try and find mentors and buddies to use those skills with and have them provide some supervision and feedback. Above all, go out and do things. Get some time under your belt.
What activities/situations/people most inspire you? I am inspired by all the folks that test and push themselves in new and unknown situations. I love spending my time in the education stream of the Mazamas and watching so many people trying new things. There is nothing like seeing folks get that “aha” moment or push through some fear. I really enjoy seeing their faces light up at the joy of completing a difficult task.
What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? Pick one. I’ve always been a fan of non-fiction, historical accounts. Lately I have been into local stories. My current favorite has been “Astoria” by Peter Stark. The interesting portion of the book is the self-imposed trouble and disasters they ran into due to their over-abundant confidence. Also, interesting to hear of folks that influenced local geographical feature names and question their relevance enough to warrant their name.
What’s on your adventure bucket list? My current fascination has been centered on long treks. I would love to do the Camino de Santiago. In the short term, as I haven’t done much hiking, outside of climb objectives, but I am looking at doing the Timberline Trail and Loowit/Mt. St. Helens Trail this season.