Erin has been involved with the Mazamas for the past 11 years and has been lead climbing for 10. She has a strong sense of wanderlust and recently traveled to South Africa for her honeymoon in June and then rafted the Grand Canyon in August. She recently ran the Smith Rock Run half marathon in the beginning of November. When not adventuring, she works an occupational therapist and currently works with preschoolers.
Name: Erin Reaksecker
Pronouns: She/Her
Year Joined Mazamas: 2015
Present-day outdoor activities: Rock climbing, running, biking, mountain climbing!
What’s your earliest outdoor memory? My earliest outdoor memory is camping at Wallowa Lake with my family in elementary school!
How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? When I first moved to Portland after grad school, I found a golden scroll at my aunt’s house that said “One free annual membership to the Mazamas,” so I asked my aunt about the organization and made a phone call and joined the Mazamas shortly after!
As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? My advice is do something that makes you uncomfortable, try something new and keep an open mind, because that allows you to grow and have memorable experiences.
What activities/situations/people most inspire you? I am inspired by ultra runners. I recently attempted a 50k and met some amazing people along the way. I realize that it takes significant mental toughness to complete an ultra and worked with a great running coach to help myself train! Dana Katz is amazing.
What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? Pick one. I enjoy listening to the podcast “Against the Odds” and learning how people get through unexpected circumstances in the great outdoors.
What’s on your adventure bucket list? I would like to travel to South America and climb in Patagonia. I would also like to return to Squamish and lead some multi-pitch climbs!