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Inspiring interviews from the greatest climbers out there
GET DRIVEN BY: Angela Payne, Dave Marquess, Melissa Lacasse, Lee Means, Lauren Lee, Ethan Pringle, Liz Hajek, The Chancellor Brothers ...
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 Jonathan Siegrist
I would love to see the industry take more responsibility for the proper recycling and/or reuse of used products. Such programs would encourage a better product to begin with, plus I think it would make sense economically and environmentally. I would also like to see more support for the photography community and watch the media follow in the footsteps of the ski or skate industry. They have tons of amazing photos of a diverse range of athletes.  Colette McInerney
Everything feels more epic when you’re on the road. You find yourself sleeping at an abandoned train station in Spain, or maybe you’re showering for a month at a local swimming pool littered with small children — the situations are just a little off. Even simple tasks turn epic when you change your address 3-5 times a year. Like right now I’m freaking out about my voter registration.  Courtney Hemphill
I do programming and project management for a company that builds custom web applications. They have a policy that allows their employees to take big chunks of the year off, which allows me to go on some nice, lengthy climbing trips. The work is actually an interesting parallel to bouldering in that both require a collaborative approach to finding solutions for ‘problems’.  Sam Elias
I feel truly gifted and fortunate in my abilities and understanding of climbing. I simply try to utilize that which comes from within me, and also that which I have learned from outside of myself to do the best I can. I do, however, hold myself to somewhat unreasonable expectations, and of course let myself down by not meeting them. This motivates me to work harder.  Joel Zerr
Mainly the crew and I have been working on areas around the Sierra Buttes. It’s a sick alpine bouldering area with very featured, slick granite. There are loads of boulders to be developed there. It’s overwhelming and all a matter of how far you want to hike. Luckily we’re pretty motivated, and I’ve had the pleasure of putting up some really proud and hard lines.  Christina Pilo
I work a 40-hour week Monday through Friday. Twice a week I go in at four in the morning and get out early enough to head to Stoney Point, Horse Flats, or sometimes Tram for half day sessions. My family and friends don’t call me on the weekends because they know I’m up on a rock every Saturday and Sunday.  Sonja Djuricin
Bailing from Open Book on Tahquitz rock one day, a lightning storm blew in right at us, while my partner and I were halfway up. I was leading the second pitch and starting to feel rather uncomfortable wearing a full skirt of metal, if you will, and climbing higher and higher to certain electrocution. I stripped off all the gear and attached it to the rope, away from me, and lowered off a small nut.  Harry Robertson
I want many things for my life, right now and in the future. I want to find a framework, whether it be a job or other purpose, that will teach me things I don’t yet understand. I want to continue to spend time in the company of good friends, trying hard blocs of all shapes, colors, and sizes ...  Dave Marquess
David “Money” Marquess, a.k.a. Little Dave, all of 18 years old, is grown up now. He graduated from high school this past May and is moving on to the “real world.” Climbing out of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Dave has been pushing bouldering standards in the Pikes Peak Region, quickly establishing problems such as the Gusher and a 15-year-old test piece dubbed The Green Lantern.  Melissa Lacasse
Melissa Lacasse is upside down with her feet in the air on the mossiest boulder she can find in Squamish, British Columbia. Her bright red socks scream against the lushness of the forest and her messy, yet cut hair flops behind her head haphazardly.  Lee Means
Top 5 favorite female climbers: (Laughs) Well, I’ve had a crush on Katie Brown since I was like 17, but seriously I have great respect for what she and Lynn Hill have done for climbing. Michelle Smith is my homie from the South. Lisa Rands for her physical and mental strength. And all the other hotties that aren’t scared to show the boys how it’s done. Pick just 5? Yeah right, that’s how you get a playa in trouble!  DENISE STRZEMPEK
My dream climbing trip is pretty simple — it could take place anywhere there are beautiful routes or boulders and good people that want to try hard, but laugh too. Some other ingredients would be: a cozy bed to retire in after a long day of climbing, some tasty chocolates, and sardines with mustard (not on the same cracker); good food and spirits, nice weather with great sunsets, and steaming hot showers, too. To complete the dream I send my project!  SAID BELHAJ
For the pure climbing experience, and the style that I like most, I’d say you never have to go anywhere else in the world but Spain and France for incredible sport climbing. But, I’ll admit that it’s also interesting to visit new places. I’ve climbed in 20 different countries so far and have had great experiences in all of them.  GRADY BAGWELL
You lived on a portaledge for a while. What’s the story? I slept, ate and lived on one for a week to support good climbing causes. We raised over $1,200 for the Access Fund and the Red River Climber’s Coalition. It was one of the best/craziest/most boring experiences I can remember in a while. I couldn’t really climb and settled for counting T-nuts on the lead wall.  BRANDI PROFFITT
Most embarrassing climbing moment: Once I tied only half of my figure 8 in the gym, got to the top, said "take" and the rope fell to the ground. That was a pretty embarrassing downclimb.  STEPHEN MEINHOLD
Climbing is an amazing sport, but remember there is a lot more to it. It will take you to many beautiful places and you will meet amazing people. Just remember to keep your eyes open, and not just pay attention to what you’re doing, but to what, and who is around you.  KASIA JADWIGA PIETRAS
I have so many projects ‘cause there are so many great climbs out there. I don’t feel like spending more than a try on anything. The route is lucky if I get on it twice.  Jesse and Tyler Youngwerth (A.K.A. the Mad Rock Twins)
Who is your favorite professional female climber? Jesse: Lisa Rands and Angie Payne; Tyler: Angie Payne.  Vasya Vorotnikov
F**k superheroes. Superman can fly, Spiderman has the webbing skills, Batman just uses high-tech shwag, and don't even get me started on all the X-men. Whoopie-doo! But seriously, it'd be fun to be able to set someone's hair on fire without anyone knowing it was you  Angela Payne
Last year my boyfriend, Jamie, and I traveled around for six months to major bouldering areas including: Hueco, Squamish, Joe's Valley, Horse Pens, Rock Town, Little Rock City, and Bishop. |
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