Jake Ballard

AMGA SPI // WFR // GSG Guide

Jake often turns to the nature as a source of strength and growth. He sees climbing as a way to connect with the outdoors, himself and the community. Yearning to be closer to nature, Jake quit an accounting job in Los Angeles to become a professional Guide and live in Kernville, California, a small town nestled in the Southern Sierra mountains. Jake was drawn to climbing in Kernville due to its diverse offering, with everything from roadside bouldering to adventurous backcountry granite domes. Kernville is centrally located, giving Jake quick access to his passions which are climbing, backcountry snowboarding, and surfing.

Jake is also co-founder of a non-profit called Stoked Adventures. Their mission is to introduce the healing power of the outdoors to those with disabilities, youth at-risk, veterans and other communities that may not have the resources to experience the outdoors.

Jake is an AMGA certified Single Pitch Instructor and a Wilderness First Responder with a goal to become an AMGA certified Rock Guide.