We usually have some sort of ongoing theme in our mentorship. It’s continually changing, adapting to trends, or simply addressing a need in the ever-expanding mentorship gap that exists between gym climbing and being in/with nature. For 2023 (and probably into 2024), our theme is, let’s go climbing.
Read MoreOne of the purest aspects of climbing is that it is an activity that requires no equipment. However, in the discipline of sport climbing and bouldering, it is acceptable and encouraged to use specialized equipment to minimize the risk of injury and accident and increase performance.
Read MoreUpon our arrival I was both excited and nervous. Cerro Agujerado was larger and more intricate than I had visualized. Mark and Joel pointed out the existing routes. It was clear that there was room for more. This prospect of so many beautiful climbs still to be put up was something I had never experienced. I had never been involved with the inception of a world class crag.
Read MoreWhen we take on risk in life, we are playing the odds, trying to stack them in our favor. We also need to rule out luck - if we are relying on luck to stay safe, it will run out. So please join me in using skill and craft to work towards not getting hurt.
Read MoreIn 2018, injuries sustained from slicing avocados sent an estimated 24 Americans per day to the hospital. Most of these injuries were to the hand. Climbers like avocados. Climbers need to use their hands. A fundamental relationship exists here, and before you roll your eyes and decry me as being hyperbolic (yet again), please consider how the act of slicing an avocado relates to how we manage risk in both climbing and in life (which affects our ability to climb).
Read MoreTessa Huang, 13, from North Carolina, writes about her experience as a climber in 2020 in the final entry for our 2020 essay contest.
Read MoreThe winner of our 2020 Short Essay Contest is from 14 year old Harper Peach-Riley from Missoula, Montana. “The pandemic led me to experiences that I wouldn’t have had if everything were normal. I realized that I can achieve so much more than I think.”
Read MoreOur 2020 Essay Contest (longe essay category), Jackson Wetherill of Helena, Montana reflects on his first major climbing trip on his own, as an adult, during the summer and fall of 2020.
Read Morealpha climbing founder Aaron Hjelt reflects on some of the themes that accompanied this year’s trips and camps.
Read MoreClimbers are drawn to baking. A countless number of climbing partners and athletes I’ve had have worked as bakers to some extent. I have many theories for the mutual agreement between climbing and baking, but my main hunch is that when we aren’t climbing, we knead to be creating things with our hands.
Read MoreThis is directed to my former (and future) athletes, students, climbing partners, and friends who are making the transition to adulthood. Parents of young adult climbers might also find interest in these sentiments
Read MoreDeep water soloing (DWS) is a combination of fear, freedom, and fun. These elements continually weave in and out of the experience. Coincidentally, adolescents require fear, freedom, and fun to develop into well-adjusted adults.
Read MoreOne of the easiest ways to review a calendar year is to reflect of themes and trends. Since the year we’re in (currently in the MDT time zone) is hours from its conclusion, now is as good as time as any. Here are some of the themes that came up continually during our 2019 programming.
Read MoreRecap of our Summer 2019 sport climbing trip to the Eastern Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming.
Read MoreRecap of our Summer 2019 sport climbing trip to Serra do Cipó, Brazil.
Read MoreRecap of our summer 2019 sport climbing trip to France and Spain.
Read More2018 Gap Semester in Europe athlete Phil Larosa shares some thoughts on what he learned about being an adult athlete during his 3 months climbing in Spain and Greece
Read Morealpha climbing founder and owner Aaron Hjelt visited Cuba for 10 days in early 2019 to explore the climbing, experience the culture, and meet the local climbing community. Here is a reflection of his trip. This is part 1 of 2 posts Aaron will publish about the trip. The second will be devoted to the planning and logistics of a climbing trip to Cuba.
Read MorePurchasing airfare for our international travel programs is often the most perplexing and frustrating elements of making these trips come together. In attempting to connect athletes from across the U.S.A., as well as from other countries, there is never a perfect solution. Convenience can come at a price, but it’s part of our goal to keep the budget minimized. Learning how to work the airfare market is just as important as any other logistical detail associated with an overseas journey. Being scrupulous and flexible can result in savings of $1000 or more, thus keeping more in the bank for a longer trip, or more trips in the future.
Read MoreHere is a fantastic overview of Serra do Cipó, one of South America’s top sport climbing destinations, provided by Gilberto Silva of Belo Horizonte. We’re headed headed here July 17-August 9, 2019.
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