A Flyin Ryan IPA w/ Long Trail Brewing Company
Proceeds go to the Flyin Ryan Hawks Foundation
“When the subject of beer first came up, I knew that it had to be through Long Trail, because they are Vermont,” says Markle (Long Trail). “Now the beer is out and it’s hoppy, fully bodied, and exactly what I’d expect to represent a guy like Ryan.”
“It’s more than just a beer,” says Ryan’s father, Peter Hawks. “It’s a beer with a story, with spirit, and with core values.”
As a native to the Green Mountain State, Ryan Hawks grew up skiing Sugarbush and Mad River Glen. His love for the sport grew with his age. Friends and family said that when Ryan went to the mountains by himself, he was the guy making friends in the lift lines, eager to share the mountain with someone new, which is how he befriended the owner of Ake’s Place.
In 2011, while competing at the Kirkwood, California stop of the Subaru Freeskiing World Tour, Ryan sustained injuries from a fall that ended his life. Though his time concluded prematurely at the age of 25, Ryan’s legacy has continued to inspire through the Flyin Ryan Hawks Foundation. Run by Ryan’s sister, Alicia, and his father, Peter, the foundation has provided over 50 scholarships supporting kids who have aspirations in the outdoors, whether it’s hiking the Pacific Coast Trail, enrolling in First Responder courses, or pursuing big mountain skiing.
“When Ryan died, I was 74. I surrounded myself with adventurers and freeriders and I have to say there is something about that group of people who really live everyday, all day,” says Peter Hawks. “We’re trying to even the playing field for other upcoming adventure seekers who want to take the driver’s seat, so we look at passion, character, and financial need.”
“Everything we do tries to bring Ryan’s spirit to life,” says Peter Hawks. “And we’re just getting started with this beer. We expect to take [it] to every ski area in Vermont.”
Ryan Hawks 13 Core Principles:
1. Live every day, all day
2. Never Stop exploring life
3. Never lose my adventuresome attitude
4. Be the best friend I can be
5. Be the best brother, son, uncle I can
6. Look out for others
7. Look out for myself
8. Look out for our surroundings
9. Be self-sufficient
10. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
11. Work hard
12. Live easy
13. Live simply
Learn more about The Flyin Ryan Hawks Foundation and how to donate HERE
Read the full story from Powder Magazine HERE
