The Coaches

Beth Rypins - Founder of Wine Country CrossFitWhy is Beth Rypins qualified to train you?

  • Two-time whitewater World Champion
  • Five-time whitewater National Champion
  • Stroke survivor
  • Passionate about functional strength and the neuroendocrin and anti-aging response it causes in the human body.
  • Cross Fit Certified Level I Trainer
  • Ace Certified Personal Trainer

Beth founded Wine Country CrossFit in 2008 to spread the word about functional strength training. After years of training both inside a gym and out in the wilds, Beth was burnt out on exercise. She had a hard time losing weight after giving birth at 39, and injuries inhibited her return to fitness. She discovered CrossFit in 2005, and it re-ignited her passion for fitness.

Born and raised in San Francisco, Beth escaped the city at 15 with a paddle in hand. Whitewater rafting and kayaking on wild rivers took her across the globe, earning five national and two world championship titles.

After training hard and competing for many years, Beth delights in sharing the joy of fitness and movement with others. As an aging athlete she brings acute knowledge of injury management to her clients. She loves working with people of all ages to build strong and supple bodies, and believes CrossFit is the most effective way to reach the goal. As a childhood stroke survivor she remembers vividly what it is like not to be able to move, and that memory calls her to action daily.

A graduate of UC Berkeley with a degree in Soviet Politics, Beth now lives in Napa with her Italian wine maker husband and their six year old daughter.

Ryan Stiefvaterryan-bio-pic

Ryan is a Graduate Gemologist and a CrossFit trainer. As a graduate from the Gemological Institute of America, he has a keen eye for detail that helps him spot imperfections in both gemstones and movement.

Ryan has competed in Swimming, Skiing and Golf.  His first job in high school was teaching golf to junior players, and it is to this early occupation that he traces his discerning eye for movement.

CrossFitting since 2006, he has had the opportunity to train with former Olympians, nationally competitive gymnasts and professional athletes. His goal as a trainer is to quickly get you moving safely and efficiently.