This photo perfectly reflects the way we felt about ambassador Jimmy when we first met him at one of our shows. This dude exudes coolness from every pore of his body. The word awesome has a picture of Jimmy in the dictionary. As soon as we started talking to him, we new that we would ask him to be one of our ambassadors because he got NO&YO. He got our mission, intentions and lifestyle - he was NO&YO. Read up on his story and judge for yourselves. In few sentences (or in many) – who is Jimmy?

I feel the most like myself when I am out in nature doing what I love. I also firmly believe in social responsibility and giving back to the community. I think monetary issues shouldn’t hold people back from experiencing what life has to offer. I grew up in a low-income household so my parents couldn’t afford to support my curiosity for outdoor sports. Today, as a “full-fledged” adult, I am fortunate enough to own lots of outdoor gear that I can call my own. I love adventures, big or small, and meeting new people. One could say I’m a social butterfly and an outdoor advocate.

What does "adventure" mean to you?

Adventure means taking a trip to destinations, new or old, where one learns or relearns things about themselves that helps them with their personal growth physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually.

What’s your favorite adventure to-date?

My favorite adventure to date would have to be traveling solo to Maui, HI. Before the trip I was super stressed from working a full-time job as an Operations Director for the YMCA and I was complaining about work to my surf buddies. While sitting in my buddy’s living room, I told him to pass me his computer and started looking up flights to Hawaii. Low and behold, I found a fairly affordable price from LAX to Maui. I told them I’m just going to book the flight without first consulting my boss. So I booked the flight and then called my boss immediately after and requested a week off. Luckily the boss said yes. Long story short, it was my first time ever traveling alone and without plans. It was a spur-of-the-moment, go-with-the-flow kind of trip and I had a blast!

What’s your largest accomplishment (by your standards) in adventure/exploration?

My largest accomplishment would have to be the solo, 20 mile-round-trip, backpacking adventure to Syke’s Hot Springs in Big Sur, CA. Initially, the thought of being alone in the wilderness really freaked me out but I felt like something was calling me to do it. I was terrified going into it but the thought of me not doing it…well, I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t do it and I wasn’t going to live my life constantly asking myself ‘what ifs’. I spent two nights in the woods and came back physically beat up but spiritually fulfilled. I consider this trip my largest accomplishment because I accomplished a huge hurtle that has been haunting me for years and I’ve learned so much from that experience.

What do you want to explore/pursue/try in the future? Any plans?

I want to explore EVERYTHING! - People, food, culture and the great outdoors.

How do you like to explore? What’s your adventure style?

“No plans…just go.”

Why did you want to become NO&YO ambassador?

I wanted to become a NO&YO ambassador because I believe in their mission statement and I love what they are about. After meeting both the owners and hearing their stories, it felt like it was serendipity that pulled us together and I feel like I naturally fit the NO&YO ambassador requirements.

What was the last road less traveled you took?

The last road less travelled that I took, in the literal sense, was one I took recently while off-roading in my truck in Big Bear, CA after fishing Green Valley Lake. In the metaphorical sense, I’m long overdue for one.

What’s the most important “freedom” to you? What makes you free?

The most important freedom to me is the freedom to express myself without anybody judging me. I feel free when I’m outdoors and unplugged.

What is your passion of the moment?

Surfing and weekend escapes.

Follow Jimmy on FB for his next awesome adventure.