About us
Walking Innovators is a hiking group for entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, local professionals and innovators with a unique format: combine walking/hiking activities with brainstorming, intellectually-stimulating conversations, etc.
Meet other innovators, get advice, bounce ideas, learn something new, make friends, find help and support from your peers - professionals in the same or similar industries - all while hiking and enjoying the nature.
You won't even notice, as you get more fit, improve your posture and get some good workout in the most natural way (just as our ancestors did), while doing their daily chores.
Human body requires a lot of movement to stay healthy (10000 steps daily recommended by American Heart Association) and the Bay Area offers some great trails/views and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. We can start with some simple yet effective walking and exercise techniques (courtesy of my chiropractor and gymnastic instructor in Europe) while discussing various topics of interest.
We hope that the fresh air, beautiful nature and interesting conversations with other innovators will inspire us to come up with new ideas, find team/partners, create amazing projects, launch start-ups and maximize our potential in general.
Topics can be suggested for each meetup and we can form interest groups for every hike - anything from technology to management, education, etc.
We can also team up with other meetups and expand our horizons. Feel free to provide your suggestions, new ideas and comments - we look forward to exploring opportunities that this new format presents.
The Walking Innovators group was first started in SF Bay Area in August of 2011 and expanded to Hawaii (Oahu). Now we are thrilled to restart the group for the new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.
Upcoming events
1
WaterWorld Quest: Ephemerisle 2026
King Island Marina Resort, 11530 W Eight Mile Rd, Stockton, CA, USThis is the second installment of Waterworld Quest, part of the recurring Inspiration Quests organized by Inspiration University
Inspiration Quests are an opportunity to reboot your life intentionally—without waiting for a catastrophic system crash.
Most people don't change until circumstances force them to. Burnout, heartbreak, job loss, illness, or failure become the catalyst. The cost is often measured in years of lost momentum, damaged relationships, and unrealized potential.An Inspiration Quest is a deliberate system restart. It clears accumulated mental noise, restores perspective, reallocates attention to what truly matters, and creates lasting change through direct experience—not theory.
### This Quest
Waterworld Quest takes place at Ephemerisle - a floating community and experimental festival on the Sacramento River Delta that has been held every year since 2009.
For seven days, the Delta becomes a world apart. Boats transform into neighborhoods, strangers become teammates, and everyday routines give way to exploration, challenge, and genuine human connection.
Rather than simply attending the festival, participants embark on a series of optional physical, emotional, and social challenges designed to expand emotional range, build trust, and create unforgettable memories.
Whether you come alone or with friends, you'll have the opportunity to experience Ephemerisle through an entirely different lens.
More about the quest:
https://inspiration-university.org/en/iu/paths/inspiration-quests/waterworld### Format
- Solo expedition or small teams (3–5 explorers)
- Complete challenges at your own pace
- Drop in or participate for the full weekend
- Designed around exploration, emotional intelligence, creativity, and connection
- No winners—only the inspired and the inspired-to-be
### Logistics
Meeting Point
King Island Marina Resort
11530 W Eight Mile Rd
Stockton, CA 95219There is secure gated parking available (approximately $8/day).
Ferries depart for Ephemerisle approximately every 30–45 minutes (around $20 per ride, coordination is handled through the event's WhatsApp group)### Cost
Participation in the Inspiration Quest is free.
Participants are responsible for their own:- Transportation
- Ferry tickets
- Food and water
- Camping or overnight accommodation (if staying for both days)
### What to Bring
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water
- Snacks
- Waterproof pouch for your phone
- A willingness to say "yes" to new experiences
### Flexibility
You are welcome to return to the marina whenever you choose. Ferries typically make several return trips throughout the evening.
Whether you join for a few hours or the entire weekend, the quest begins the moment you decide to step aboard.1 attendee
Past events
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