UW Student Secures Grant to Develop Climbing Guide for the Westfjords
The University Centre of the Westfjords (UW) is delighted to share the news that yet another master’s student has received funding from the Westfjords Development Fund. The fund aims to support cultural projects, business development, and innovation in the Westfjords, and to provide support for start-ups and operating costs to cultural institutions in the Westfjords. Brendan Kirby, a master’s student at UW in the Coastal Communities and Regional Development program, received a 400,000 ISK grant to develop a climbing guide for the Westfjords.
Originally from Albany, New York, Brendan has traveled the globe, living and working in countries such as Ireland, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia, and Spain before finding his way to Iceland. Brendan’s connection to the Westfjords began in 2022 during a cycling trip through Iceland. Pedaling along the Westfjords Way, he was captivated by the region's stunning landscapes and unique charm. Little did he know, two years later, he would call Ísafjörður home while pursuing a graduate degree at UW.
While working as an English teacher in Spain this past year, Brendan played with the idea of pursuing a master’s. He had previously heard about UW from a former student and decided to look through the course catalog. “I was intrigued by the Coastal Communities and Regional Development master’s program and decided to chase this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Fortunately, I was accepted. Ísafjörður is much different than anywhere I have ever lived. To the casual observer, life here would seem slow, but as someone who has spent the last 4 months in town, I very much beg to differ. The community, its surroundings, and its nature offer a lifetime of adventure for those who seek it.” - says Brendan.
Photo by Björgvin Hilmarsson
Pioneering a Climbing Initiative in the Westfjords
As an avid rock climber, Brendan quickly noticed a lack of information regarding outdoor climbing, specifically bouldering, around Ísafjörður and other parts of the Westfjords. After connecting with the local climbing community through the Westfjords Climbing Club (Klifurfélag Vestfjarða), he found out that there has been established climbing in the region, but more exploration was still needed. He started documenting his climbing (bouldering) efforts within walking distance from Ísafjörður in early September. “With help from others, we’ve opened up a new accessible outdoor sporting outlet, within walking distance of the town” - says Brendan.
Recognizing the potential for further development, Brendan applied for a grant from the Westfjords Development Fund. In December, he was awarded funding to create a localized climbing guide. This guide will document climbing spots in Ísafjörður and other parts of the Westfjords, aiming to make these outdoor opportunities more accessible to the community and visitors alike. The guide, expected to be available by next summer, will serve as a foundation for future climbing exploration in the region.
Photo by Björgvin Hilmarsson
The University Centre of the Westfjords is proud to support Brendan in his endeavors and looks forward to the positive impact his project will have on the local community and outdoor recreation in the Westfjords.
UW would also like to congratulate two UW alumni who received funding from the Westfjords Development Fund: Tyler Wacker and Rozálie Rasovská. Tyler Wacker graduated from the Coastal Communities and Regional Development master’s program in 2022. He received funding for his bike shop “The Fjord Hub” which is based in Ísafjörður. He received a grant for 750,000 ISK for web development and marketing. Rozálie Rasovská graduated this year from the same program. She has received funding for 500,000 ISK for introducing an ayurvedic wellness center in the Westfjords.
It's inspiring to see UW students and alumni making such a difference in the Westfjords and we wish them good luck with their projects.