Forrest Liu's journey is both inspiring and transformative. From a place of personal struggle with depression, he found solace and healing in the outdoors, ultimately discovering a passion for climbing and adventure. His path not only led him to recovery but also fueled a deep desire to help others overcome similar challenges.

After taking time off from university in 2007, Forrest traveled extensively across southern China, immersing himself in nature, climbing hundreds of routes, and spending time in the wilderness. This "gap year" became a pivotal period where he healed both mentally and physically, reconnecting with his inner self and, as he put it, uncovering his "outdoor genes."

With this newfound understanding, Forrest went on to create Base Camp Adventure and Northeast Climb, two initiatives designed to help others rediscover themselves through climbing and outdoor adventures. Over the next 15 years, he honed his expertise in the climbing and outdoor industries, working tirelessly to make these activities more accessible to people from all walks of life.

In 2022, Forrest and his best friend Ryan took their passion to the next level by founding Outdoor Genes in the United States. At Outdoor Genes, the philosophy is clear: everyone has "outdoor genes" within them, and it's a matter of unlocking this potential through the right experiences, tools, and mindset.

Outdoor Genes focuses on designing, testing, and producing innovative climbing and outdoor equipment with new materials, designs, and technologies—all crafted with families in mind. The goal is simple but powerful: to help people—whether individuals or entire families—enjoy the outdoors safely, happily, and sustainably.

Through his journey, Forrest has not only healed but has also created a brand and community that encourages people to explore their own outdoor potential. The ethos of Outdoor Genes is about empowerment, wellness, and connection with nature—a message that resonates deeply in a world where many seek balance and meaning in the midst of busy, sometimes overwhelming lives.

Forrest Liu’s contributions to the climbing world have been nothing short of transformative, leaving an indelible mark on the global climbing community, particularly in China. His passion for climbing, paired with his expertise, has driven him to become a trailblazer and a mentor to countless athletes, coaches, and climbing enthusiasts around the world. Here are some of the key highlights of Forrest’s impact:

Pioneering Role in Climbing in China and Beyond

Forrest Liu is widely regarded as the first Chinese IFSC (International Federation of Sport Climbing) official photographer and live commentator, a groundbreaking achievement that highlighted his pivotal role in elevating China's presence in the global climbing scene. His involvement in both the creative and technical aspects of climbing has earned him international recognition, allowing him to bring Chinese perspectives to the forefront of the sport.

His contributions extend to multiple prestigious roles, including:

• UIAA International Judge: Forrest has applied his extensive knowledge of climbing to shape the rules and regulations at the highest level of competition.
• Route Setter: He has created challenging and innovative climbing routes for international competitions, helping to push the boundaries of the sport.
• High-Level Coach: As China’s first elite climbing coach, he has been instrumental in developing climbing talent within China, training coaches, and shaping the future of the sport in Asia and beyond.

Organizing Landmark Events

Forrest’s organizational skills have been pivotal in the success of numerous climbing events, many of which have been landmark moments in the climbing world. Some of his key contributions include:

• Youth Olympic Games (2014): Forrest played an essential role in organizing sport climbing events at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, which were critical for the sport's inclusion in the Olympic movement.
• Ice Climbing World Championships and World Cups: His involvement in these events helped bring global attention to ice climbing, a thrilling discipline of the sport that is gaining traction around the world.
• Dean Potter World Guinness Challenge: Forrest’s work on the historic event held in En Shi Grand Valley, China, showcased his ability to organize high-profile events that bring together world-class climbers and adventure athletes.

Transforming Climbing Coaching in China and Globally

As China’s first elite climbing coach, Forrest has directly influenced the development of the sport within the country. His training programs have helped elevate China’s climbing capabilities on the global stage, with many of his former students going on to achieve remarkable success.

Forrest’s impact on coaching also extends beyond China, as he has worked with climbing teams in India and other international groups. His deep understanding of the sport, combined with his focus on developing innovative training tools and recovery equipment, has made him a sought-after coach and mentor in the climbing community.

Outdoor Genes: A New Chapter

After decades of impacting the climbing world through coaching, judging, and organizing events, Forrest took his passion to new heights by founding Outdoor Genes in 2022, following his move to Colorado—one of the world’s most iconic climbing regions. Together with his best friend Ryan, Forrest launched Outdoor Genes with the mission to provide climbers and outdoor enthusiasts with high-quality gear designed for both performance and durability.

Outdoor Genes quickly gained a reputation for producing cutting-edge training and recovery equipment that supports climbers’ physical development and safety. With over 20 years of expertise, Forrest and Ryan have created a brand that continues to serve climbers of all levels, furthering their commitment to fostering a safe, sustainable, and enjoyable outdoor experience for the climbing community.

Inspiration Beyond Climbing

Forrest’s personal journey is as inspiring as his professional achievements. He overcame personal struggles, including a battle with depression, to find a deep connection with climbing and the outdoors. His story reflects his belief in the transformative power of nature and physical challenge, both for personal growth and for building community.

Through Outdoor Genes, Forrest continues to inspire climbers to reach new heights—not only in their climbing skills but also in their personal lives, fostering a sense of community and resilience that extends beyond the rock face.

Forrest Liu’s work embodies the idea that climbing is not just a sport—it’s a way of life that connects people to each other, to the outdoors, and to their true selves. Through his dedication, innovations, and passion, he has helped shape the global climbing scene and will continue to influence its evolution for years to come.

OAQA is short for Outdoor Adversity Quotient Academy. An adversity quotient(AQ) is a score that measures the ability of a person to deal with adversities in their life.

OAQA was founded by Forrest Liu & Karrass Su in 2020 during Covid, trying to help more people(especially young people)who are in trouble with their lives.

With the support of Outdoor Genes, we used different outdoor activities as tools to help people get out of their low zone for their life.

OAQA helped thousand of youth people who were suffering from depression, sensory integration (SI) dysfunction, or even brain and physical disabilities getting out of their low zone.