1. Tell us about yourself:
Hey! My name is Matt and I’ve been a member of BeachSide for about 2.5 years. I grew up on the east coast but have been living in Ventura for almost 10 years now so consider it home. I live with my wife Katherine (also a BSCF member!) and our dog Roo.
2. What do you do for a job?
I am a Supplier Quality Engineer at Patagonia. I work closely with our garment factories to ensure quality in our products. I am also co-founder and brewer at Beer Hole Brewing. We’re a nanobrewery based in my friends’ garage and specialize in making small batch, mediocre craft beers. Let me know if you ever want to try some!
3. Tell us something people might not know about you:
I am an eagle scout and former black belt in Taekwondo. Hi-Yah!
4. What brought you to CrossFit in the first place?
I swam competitively throughout college and after graduating I was looking for something new to stay active. I enjoyed going to the gym, but really missed working out in a group. My sister and a few of my old teammates had been doing CrossFit so I gave it a shot.
5. What was your first impression? How has that changed?
I thought it was super intimidating and overwhelming at first. I’m way more confident in my abilities now, but will always find the workouts challenging and humbling.
6. What was your first “bright spot”?
One day my handstand walks just clicked. I went from being able to take a few steps to walking across the entire gym. I was stoked!
7. What are you working on now?
Getting stronger! I have to adjust the weight for a lot of the workouts so I am working on improving my technique and building strength so I can consistently do the Rx weight. It’s always bulking season at BeachSide.
8. What’s your favorite BeachSide CrossFit memory?
Participating in the Open this year was awesome! I love the energy in the gym – everyone is giving it their all and so supportive of each other.
