Meet The Crew - Myles Keating

At SHELTER we feel very fortunate to be able to have a crew that is so incredibly passionate and dedicated to what we do. This month we want to share more about our friend and fellow adventurer, Myles Keating. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself...

I was born on an island on the east coast, grew up in Northern Vermont building forts and playing in the woods. During most of my childhood my family built a house and shaped the 10 wooded acres into a beautiful home. I was helping my Dad shingle the side of our house by the age of 8 and helping my Mother with the gardens. This upbringing paired with a very creative initial education directed my path WEST. In fall 2008 I was a freshman at MSU in Bozeman, MT. This is where I met Todd. Throughout my nontraditional college education I fell in love with the west and stuck around Bozeman for many years after college to mostly snowboard and explore. During this time in the west the draw of the ocean was still ingrained deep in me. I needed to get closer to the sea but still have access to the mountains. After 9 years in Bozeman, I bought a little travel trailer, packed it with everything I owned and sent it to Northern California for the summer to work for the Forest Service on a wild land Fire Engine. On my drive from Montana to Northern California I stopped by SHELTER to see the shop space and hang with Todd. He put the bug in my ear of maybe helping out after the fire season. Needless to say, once the summer season ended I drove straight back up to Portland and dove right in. My love for the PNW continues to grow with snowboard trips, surf trips and inspiration through building projects. 

What do you do for SHELTER?

I am a creative builder.

Favorite Pastime.

Exploring mountains and oceans. Near and far.

Favorite Aspect of SHELTER.

There are many rad aspects of SHELTER. First and foremost there is an awesome overall vibe. We are working with our friends, building cool stuff. We are constantly doing new things and staying inspired. The fact that everyone involved with SHELTER is passionate about adventure keeps things fresh.

What is your spirit animal?

I would be a Cormorant. Birds that can fly and swim equally well have always intrigued me. Exploring the ocean above and below. 

What is the best adventure you have ever been on?

 have two that stand out to me. One semester of college I attended SEA Semester. We sailed, Corwith Cramer (think pirate ship, look it up), a double masted schooner from Rockland, ME to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and then up to St. Croix. There were 33 people total on this 128ft boat and we were on it for 6 weeks, 4 of which we did not see land. Another semester I spent with Wild Rockies Field Institute traveling around the state of Montana via van, kayak and backpack. We studied the current (at the time) land issues of the state and discussed these with people of all different beliefs. These nontraditional college semesters where life shaping adventures for me. 

What is something that is really popular now, but in 5 years everyone will look back on and be embarrassed by?

Instant gratification. Good things take time.