5.
Jason Black: Most Devoted to the Outdoor Scene nominee Jason Black, a 51-year-old endurance athlete hailing from Letterkenny, has an impressive track record in conquering extraordinary feats of endurance. Notable accomplishments include summiting Mount Everest, K2 and participating in the arduous Eco-Challenge Fiji adventure race. Despite these feats, Jason’s current focus lies in orchestrating adventures for others. Throughout this year, he has guided individuals across the globe and throughout Ireland, facilitating life-changing experiences and remarkable achievements. In keeping with Jason’s commitment to leaving a positive impact, this year has seen him leading expeditions to Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, and Island Peak. Moreover, his leadership extends to challenging adventures within Ireland. Aligning with his ethos, Jason has also played a pivotal role in training numerous African mountain porters, empowering them to become mountain guides on Kilimanjaro. This effort has brought about significant positive changes for the families and friends of those who transition to becoming guides. One of Jason’s most noteworthy guiding clients this year was Jennifer Doherty, a blind lady who in 2023 climbed Ireland’s seven summits. Jennifer was guided by Jason to Everest Base Camp in 2022 and in 2023 she climbed some of the most challenging mountains on the island of Ireland. A truly incredible achievement. Jason’s commitment to Jennifer’s success was apparent from the very beginning and his involvement certainly played a role in her conquering the seven summits of Ireland.
6.
Easkey Britton: Most Devoted to the Outdoor Scene nominee With the release of Ebb & Flow: How to Connect with the Power and Patterns of Water, the hugely inspirational surfer, academic and author has written a rallying cry for water connection and protection in this country. Easkey, who is from Rossnowlagh, has long been a surf pioneer, she was the first woman to paddle out at the big wave spot, Aileens, at the Cliffs of Moher and the first woman to surf in Iran, where she encouraged girls and women to try the sport. Currently, having been immersed in academic research on our connection to the blue spaces and the psychologically restorative aspects of water, she’s written a book about what we can give back to water ourselves. “I’m a huge promotor of nature connection and the benefits of blue health, but a lot of the research done in the western world looks at what water can do for us, rather than what we can do for water,” Easkey shared. “I wanted to look at water as its own entity, its own life force, rather than just turning it into another commodity for our consumption, enjoyment, recreation and health kicks. “The book calls for healing of the heart, mind, and body of our collective water planet,” says Easkey. “I wanted to show how we are connected to all the waters of the Earth, wherever we are. Water is the source of all life, and I think there’s a responsibility and power in the stories that we tell about it.”
7.
Liquid Therapy: Most Impactful Outdoor Company nominee Liquid Therapy, established in 2011, is determined to make the mental health advantages of coastal experiences accessible to all. Nestled in Ballyshannon, this charitable organisation is committed to fostering an environment where young individuals can reap the therapeutic and physical rewards of surfing and ocean activities, regardless of their challenges. At the end of 2021, Liquid Therapy became a registered charity and as they welcomed in 2022 they opened the first Inclusive Surf Centre in the country, at Rossnowlagh Beach. A Drop in the Ocean (ADITO), the mental health program that they created in response to the global pandemic, became prescribable to young people who had experienced trauma in Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Monaghan and Cavan. In 2022, they worked with Vision Sports Ireland and the Irish Wheelchair Association to widen the scope of their accessibility. This year they hosted BLUESURFEST, a three-day festival that celebrates inclusion in sport. The three-day event included live music, film premieres, book signings, inclusive and adaptive surfing events and an educational seminar. The festival engaged with over 900 participants from all over Ireland and Europe.