When I embarked on my journey to Indonesia, I knew it would be life-changing. As with all my projects, I took time beforehand to reflect on my intentions—how I could give back and make a lasting impact. This trip was no different, but I wanted it to be more than just about the environment. I aimed to connect with the people, understand their daily struggles, and contribute to their communities in a way that felt genuine and impactful.

For two years, I worked with 4Ocean to coordinate this trip, where I would witness their operations firsthand and see how they tackle the massive problem of pollution in Bali and the surrounding regions. What many tourists don’t see are the effects of tourism on the environment. The trash and pollution don’t just mar the beauty of the beaches—they also infiltrate the rivers and disrupt the daily lives of the local people. 4Ocean’s mission to not only clean these areas but also provide sustainable jobs for the local community truly resonated with me.

I came with a personal goal to collect at least 50,000 pounds of trash by the end of my time there. But I quickly realized that this was too small of a goal—4Ocean collects that much trash in just a few days.

Meeting Andi and the Bali operations team was a powerful experience. Their warmth, openness, and genuine care for the environment and their people struck a deep chord with me. At times, I had to fight back tears, overwhelmed by the beauty of their efforts. They weren’t just cleaning up rivers and oceans—they were building a better future for their community.

What sets 4Ocean apart is their commitment to the people. They don’t just collect trash; they ensure that the Indonesian community is actively involved, treated fairly, and empowered to live sustainably. It was both heartbreaking and uplifting to witness the stark contrast between the trash-filled rivers that the locals rely on and the incredible work 4Ocean is doing to restore these vital resources.

As I spent more time with the team, it became clear that this mission was about more than just cleaning the oceans. It was about creating a sustainable future for the people who live on these islands. Forming a partnership with 4Ocean aligned perfectly with my values as an outdoor athlete, reminding me that our responsibility extends beyond the adventures we seek. We must also uplift the communities that graciously welcome us to their lands and waters.

After my time with 4Ocean, I moved inland to collaborate with Bali Adventure Climbing, where I met Kris, a local who has built one of the best climbing gyms in the region. In all my travels for climbing and surfing, I make a point of bringing gear to donate and support the local efforts of sustaining outdoor experiences. I’ll never forget the look on Kris’s face when I gave him a new rope, quickdraws, and shoes. It was clear we were aligned in our mission to get more people safely and happily into the outdoors.

Kris’s mission is to encourage people to explore the outdoors safely and to show that Bali is more than just beaches, volcanoes, and parties. It’s also home to breathtaking mountains and climbing spots that few tourists ever see.

Watching Kris and his family take new climbers to the crags, surrounded by the lush fields where local farmers work, it hit me—everything is connected. The work that 4Ocean does to clean the oceans directly impacts families like Kris’s, who rely on fresh water for their daily lives. These communities, both on land and sea, are intertwined in ways many outsiders never realize.

During this project, Bali became more than just a destination for me—it became home. Not just because of the environmental work I contributed to, but because of the people I met, like Kris and the team at 4Ocean, who welcomed me into their lives and taught me invaluable lessons about sustainability and community.

Being an outdoor athlete isn’t about conquering—it’s about connecting. And connecting means more than just exploring mountains and oceans. It’s about understanding the communities and natural environments that allow us to pursue our passions. Every time I step onto a mountain, touch a rock, or ride a wave, I know I’m part of something bigger. I see the people who stand with me, striving for a better tomorrow.

That’s what keeps me going.

In peace.