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Adventurous Spirit: Keith’s Van Life Journey

At 68, Keith reflects on a life filled with adventure, skydiving, and the pursuit of freedom through van life. In a candid conversation, he shares his story, his meticulously crafted van, and his philosophy on what makes a life well-lived. With nearly 18,000 skydives under his belt and plans to hit 20,000, Keith embodies the thrill-seeking spirit while embracing the simplicity of life on the road.

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A Life in the Sky

Keith’s passion for adventure sports is evident from his staggering 17,949 skydives. “I don’t enjoy being scared, but I do enjoy adventure sports for sure,” he says, downplaying his daredevil nature with a humble grin. As a skydiving instructor, he’s made a career out of leaping from planes, a job he plans to continue until he’s 71, when he’ll shift his focus to rock climbing and full-time van life. His goal? To reach 20,000 jumps, a milestone he describes as “a nice round number” that “just sounds cool.”

Beyond skydiving, Keith’s adventurous resume includes 23 years of hang gliding, time in ultralights, and 10 hours in paragliders. “I spent most of my life in the sky,” he notes, reflecting on a career that prioritized passion over financial gain. Now, looking back, he muses, “I spent a lot of my life kind of thinking I should have been more successful financially, but now at 68, I kind of look back and think maybe I did it right.”

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The Van: Beluga

Keith’s home on wheels is a 2018 Nissan NV2500, affectionately named Beluga, “like the ugly white whale.” Purchased secondhand, the van came with some modifications from its previous owner, whose craftsmanship Keith admired enough to track him down and thank him. The interior, however, is all Keith’s creation, designed for functionality and comfort with a nod to his adventurous lifestyle.

The van’s interior is a testament to thoughtful design. A 27-by-72-inch bed doubles as a couch, eliminating the need to “make the bed” beyond pulling down a sleeping bag. The sail from Keith’s first hang glider adorns the ceiling, adding a touch of personal history. Storage is optimized with a bar magnet holding labeled plugs, rechargeable lights, and buckets for climbing gear and essentials. A Dometic fridge, a Jet Boil for coffee (“Coffee is happiness,” Keith declares), and a foot-pedal gusher pump for minimal water use round out the setup.

One standout feature is a toolbox-turned-tabletop, a gift from Keith’s father, which fits perfectly at 17 inches. “I measured it and was like, ‘Holy smokes, man,’” Keith recalls. A swivel seat, inspired by online van life videos, adds versatility, while a privacy curtain with “stealth camouflage” and fleet numbers on the van’s exterior give it a low-profile, city-worker vibe. “People ask if I work for the city,” Keith chuckles. “I’m like, ‘No, but I’m glad you think that.’”

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The Trailer: A Mobile Adventure Hub

Towing a trailer behind Beluga, Keith carries his “toy box” filled with climbing gear, a bicycle, tools, and, of course, his parachute for impromptu skydiving stops. The trailer also doubles as a shower, with a clever barn-door design using repurposed casters and a pump-up shower system. “I scuffed it up and painted it black,” Keith says, crediting van life videos for the idea.

Living for Memories, Not Money

Keith’s philosophy on life is refreshing in its simplicity. “A lot of people think it’s who dies with the most money, who dies with the most toys,” he says. “But not me. I think who dies with the most memories.” His journey has been rich with experiences—meeting climbers, connecting with fellow nomads at events like the RTR, and building a life that exceeds his “wildest dreams.” As he puts it, “It’s been that good.”

Looking Ahead

With plans to transition to full-time van life and rock climbing after hitting 20,000 skydives, Keith shows no signs of slowing down. His story is a reminder that success isn’t measured by wealth but by the joy and freedom found in pursuing what sets your soul on fire. “The best is yet to come,” he says with a spark of anticipation.

Keith’s van, his adventures, and his outlook inspire us all to rethink what it means to live well. As he continues his journey, one thing is clear: Keith is doing it right.

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