Climbing, Nature, and Sacred Rok | Ron Kauk | Talks at Google

Renowned rock climber and visionary Ron Kauk joined us at Google and shared stories of his climbs, what got him started, and his decades spent in Yosemite. It's his time at Yosemite that led him to start Sacred Rok, a non-profit focused on helping incarcerated youth to heal through nature.

[@Deanhess1129]

Loved hearing this talk. Ron is a legend in rock climbing circles and I had the pleasure to meet and hang out with him back in the early '90's.

[@karenpowell9272]

Amazing. You, Mr. Kauk are truly an amazing human. Love your mission in life. I knew your Dad back in the 80s, Elmer became my friend for a short period of time and changed my life. Wishing you continued success with your teachings and help with our youth. Bless you!

[@brookeclakk2624]

Ron, it is Brooke, great presentation. You are saving lives by touching our youth. I still feel one with Yosemite. Going to be in Wawona for 2 weeks in July.

[@ericjohnson5910]

I was fortunate enough to Boulder with Ron in the five months I spent in Yosemite in 1980 and 81. Nature's class the most important classroom of our lives.

[@rebeccadee4107]

Ron simply amazing. The feelings I have after watching this just rings bells of love. at 46 years of age now I remember so well the challenges of home environment as well as school and day dreaming of being some place outdoors. At 12 years of age I indipendatly took the bus to yosemite. I know you understand. After all I'd really enjoy a conversation with you. I was born in RWC fortunate enough to have the gifts I found in Yosemite!

[@climbhangout]

I appreciate hearing about what Ron is doing with these youth. Thanks for making an impact on future generations Mr. Kauk.

[@Lunareon]

What a beautiful talk, and a reminder that we should all spend more time in nature.

[@stevenwolpe191]

Ron is a pretty amazing guy! Spending more time in nature getting into a more natural rhythm... that's real medicine!

[@herefornow9671]

Ron ... You have been such an inspiration!!! WoW man All those incredible ascents You are an incredible speaker, very articulate Thanks for Everything Yours, SWR

[@BAlvn-yr6ej]

Ron's always been an inspiration to me, and he speaks the truth.

[@davereid-daly2205]

A remarkable climber and a remarkable man.......

[@trope5105]

rock climbing is amazing. i havent done it in yearss since i have no friends, but it was one of my short lived loves. ill never forget the feeling of taking my first lead climb and my first fall doing so! the feeling when u get caught , and swing back into the rock is that like no other.

[@sotrakongen]

Kauk for president !

[@susansasek8756]

Love this. Yosemite is and always has been my heart home. I can make it to the edge of Ahwahnee meadow in three hours from my home. Sitting there in front of the park services cabins, staring up at Half Dome, heals my soul in a way nothing else can. Used to watch Ron climb the side of the gym when I was in high school. Congratulations Ron on building a wonderful life and using your talents to help others do the same.

[@stevewillemyns2386]

I totally get it. Wish I lived close to the ditch ❤👌

[@markhense]

Funny to hear him talk about adults helping set the path and then watching Reel Rock 15. His sons kind of gave the impression that the things Ron talks about being so important were the times it seems like he was not around for his sons.

[@michaelb1761]

Profound, awesome, touching. I love that those children got to experience some of the things that I have while in the Sierra, and probably even more deeply than I have.

[@go2cloudbase]

This could be taken as all just a bit too simple, until it gets real at 41:05 "And what is our responsibility as humans being created, put on this earth to experience life, what is our responsibility, our ability to respond to the story we are in?" :) Ron approached me one day over 25 years ago at the base of a climb in Yosemite. He had never met me, knew absolutely nothing about me and the 5 minutes he spent with me then I still reflect on and pull lessons from it to this day. As I learn more and grow in life I continue to learn more from that conversation.

[@arlie505]

awesome, saw Ron at a bouldering contest in phoenix so long ago.

[@alfatti1603]

What a powerful character,

[@TheK7aloha]

Aloha from the Rockies!

[@gravity0529]

I live in Yosemite... and yes, it is home

[@gravity0529]

we shouldn't lock kids in jail... it is not responsible as a community... these motivations of sacred rok is key to come back to reality... the reality where we are free

[@magikalyoutubeman17]

LEGEND

[@AM-jo2wl]

CLIMBING GOD!!!

[@2dogarageoxo]

Great talk Ronaldo!! xox

[@adamschreck3748]

Ron I want to join you in your mission.

[@markschuette3770]

yes more investment in environmental education for everyone!