At Parallel Eyewear, we celebrate individuals who see the world differently—bold adventurers, fearless creators, and unapologetic iconoclasts. These are the people who inspire us to push boundaries and redefine what’s possible. Today, we launch Parallel People by sharing the story of Kim Kirch, a daring sailor, expedition guide, and world-class photographer whose life is a testament to courage and authenticity.
A Life of Adventure and Wild Places
Kim Kirch is not your typical adventurer. She has charted courses through some of the most remote and untamed corners of the Earth, where few dare to venture. Over the past year alone, she has guided expeditions through Alaska’s rugged grizzly bear country, led polar bear treks in the Arctic tundra of Churchill, and explored the icy expanse of Antarctica, sharing these raw, majestic landscapes with intrepid travelers.
Her work as a naturalist and boat captain has taken her to lands where survival is a constant challenge and nature’s beauty remains untouched. Through her eyes—and her lens—she invites the world to experience the wonder and fragility of these pristine environments. Her Instagram feed is a visual odyssey of sweeping glaciers, curious penguins, and powerful apex predators captured in intimate, breathtaking detail.
Kim’s connection to the ocean runs deep. She’s not only an expert sailor but a formidable captain, having sailed thousands of miles along the Pacific Coast from Alaska to Argentina. In her personal catamaran, she’s faced towering waves and howling winds with determination and skill.
Her love of the sea brought her to Parallel Eyewear in a unique way. On a moment’s notice, Kim stepped up to captain a racing sailboat owned by Dave from Parallel Eyewear. It was no casual afternoon on the water—it was a full-blown competitive race in San Diego Bay. Without hesitation, she took the helm, embodying the fearless spirit that defines Parallel People.
Adventure Meets Advocacy
Kim’s passion extends far beyond adventure. As a fierce advocate for conservation, she works to inspire greater compassion for the natural world. Whether guiding travelers to the Antarctic or fixing the electrical system on her boat, she does it all with a profound sense of purpose and a drive to leave the world better than she found it.
She has even braved the Antarctic waters in nothing but a swimsuit—a symbolic plunge into the wild, driven by her desire to fully experience life’s extremes. It’s this willingness to embrace the unknown that makes her a true Parallel Person—someone who refuses to accept limits or let fear dictate her path.
Parallel Vision: Seeing the World Differently
Kim Kirch is exactly the kind of person we envisioned when creating Parallel Eyewear. She doesn’t just wear our sunglasses; she lives the values they stand for—seeing the world through a unique lens, embracing challenges head-on, and carving her own path. You can follow Kim on @kim_kirch.
As we continue sharing stories of Parallel People, we invite you to join us on this journey. Celebrate those who dare to see the world differently and redefine what’s possible. Because in the end, it’s not just about what you look at—it’s about how you see.
Stay tuned for more stories from Parallel People. Who inspires you to see the world differently? Let us know in the comments.
