Age: 27

Home: Richmond, Virginia (Moving to Denver, Colorado in May)

The Local Playground: James River Park

In it: Since ‘96

Memorable Ticks: The Séance (V9), Eye (V10), The Orb (V8), Get Crunk (V9), Time Bomb (5.13b)

Whats the bouldering scene like in Virginia?
It’s fairly low key. For the most part, if you’re bouldering in VA, you’re likely to have the spot to yourself. There are a number of established spots that get traffic, but most of the bouldering here is still in its infancy. There’s a ton of rock — particularly in the western part of the state — that’s just waiting to cleaned and sent.

How good is the sandstone in Richmond?
When it’s good, it’s really good. For instance, the Whale Boulder is one of the cooler boulders I’ve seen. It’s certainly not a destination spot — not by a long shot — but it’s satisfying enough for me to have these hard lines in the flatland of Richmond. It’s unique. It’s cool because it’s really changed my perspective of what constitutes climbable stone.

What does the future hold for you?
I finish up the didactic portion of grad school this spring and then move to Denver for an administrative residency. I’m there for at least a year and then, after that, who knows. Hopefully to a C-suite position in a hospital with some time to get outside and climb. This past fall I also attempted my first big mountain and had a blast. I certainly foresee more alpine climbing in my future.

Whats your dream trip?
It would be a couple months in Europe, hitting places like Fonatainebleau, Magic Woods, Frankenjura, and the Peak District… with a mountain or two thrown in for good measure!

The InsIder:
“From what I can recall, there has never been even a published photo of bouldering in Virginia. I mean, sure, Stone Crusade has John Sherman bouldering out in Western Virginia . . . but killer stone right in the heart of my hometown in Richmond? When I headed home for Christmas this year, I called my friend Austin right away. He’s been crushing around Richmond, and I needed to see the goods for myself. Sure enough, he took me to some of the finest grained sandstone outside Steele, Alabama. So, why haven't we heard any spray from the ‘Old Dominion?’ Well folks, soon. Very soon. Let’s just say the Confed-Aretes are taking to the battlefield once again!” —Andy Mann