Have you ever been interested in rock climbing? This interview with professional rock climbing guide and YouTuber Jason Schmaltz is intended to open the door for you to get started with rock climbing.

Jason Schmaltz's Professional Experience

I've been a professional in the industry full-time for about 2 years and part-time for 5 years before that (a total of 7 years). I've found that the more I have progressed through the structured American Mountain Guides Association guide tracks the more I've improved and gotten to do bigger and more challenging climbs and projects.

The journey of going from recreational climber to professional has been one of the biggest growth experiences of my life and continues to be as I learn more, become exposed to different challenges, and meet new people.

Rock Climbing Physical Requirements

I would say there are not any physical requirements to get started. I've seen many people who are couch to climb and have been successful. Nothing should be stopping you from getting out for your first time if you want to.

All body types can be found in climbing. With that said, as you learn about the sport and set goals, you will likely have to alter your training/routine/diet to hit the goals you set but that's down the line.

Strengths Built As A Rock Climber

The main thing that's changed for me has been superior grip and forearm. I was already a mountain runner athlete before I got into the sport and plenty strong as well. I used to be a competitive bodybuilder.

My grip and forearm strength were what needed to catch up. However, that said, the most improvements I've seen over the years have been the mental strength and fortitude I've built.

Where Jason Finds Joy In Rock Climbing

Two things; first I love seeing my peers and clients achieve their goals and see changes in their performance. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing someone else achieve self-actualization that you helped facilitate through coaching and mentorship.

Secondly, I enjoy the mental challenge of rock climbing. Nothing has helped me so much in developing the ability to become present, see my ego, observe my reaction to fears (real and imaginary) and develop the mental fortitude that has carried over into other aspects of life.

Connecting Rock Climbing To Values

Rock climbing has helped me to become present more. The act of being able to function fluidly and competently when surrounded by impending danger requires you to focus on the here and now and only on things that directly impact you. I've been able to channel this mindset over to business, relationship building, and dealing with all of life's stressors.

Additionally, I would say rock climbing has helped me build more meaningful relationships because you have to build trust quickly with your partner. I would say that one thing that stands out about rock climbing with friends is that it will bring you closer together quickly.

What Draws Jason To Rock Climbing

Expansion of the comfort zone. In climbing, you strive to be in that zone of growth where you are outside of your normal comfort level but not so far outside that you break down.

Being right on that edge helps you grow fast and you can almost see it. It's fun to go back to climbs that used to scare me to death and now cruise through them. You can see mental growth in this way.

Rock Climbing For Health

It is pretty physical and despite what people think, it is more of a full-body workout than just arms and fingers. You also have to do a significant amount of hiking and scrambling to get to your destination, usually with a bunch of equipment on your back so you get in shape pretty quickly.

The key is to continue to do it regularly and if you are close to an indoor gym, this is the way that can be accomplished practically in today's busy world.

Rock Climbing For Mental Strength

Ultimately it has taught me that anything is possible but I have the choice to pursue it or not. So many of our challenges in life are mental where we simply have to make up our minds to progress and permit ourselves to fail. Once you become unafraid to fail, you can accomplish so much more than you ever thought.

Being New To Rock Climbing

I got started on New Years Day, years ago by taking an intro belay lesson at my local climbing gym. Climbing indoors is by far the best avenue to get a first exposure to the sport. If you want to go outside, you can always go with friends who are experienced.

However, if you want to build your skill set, I'd recommend hiring a guide that can focus on you for the entire day and teach you all the skills, systems, techniques, etc. It will save you years to hire a guide for a few days here and there. I wish I would have. I hire guides now even at my experience level.

Expectations When First Starting To Climb

Expect some soreness in your hands/forearms as your body adjusts. Also expect to feel the highs and lows of topping out. I would have days early on at the gym where I never saw the top of the wall as I just was learning. I would not identify with this as success and failure but more just the act of doing as success. You are learning every day you climb and isn't that what life's about?

Pro Tip!

One key to success in climbing is to get a partner or a couple of partners you can climb with. I've never seen anyone successfully grow in this sport without a belay partner. Make this a priority if you get into the sport.

How Jason Can Help You Get Started With Rock Climbing

Check out my YouTube channel Summit Seekers Experience with all kinds of climbing tutorials and information both for recreational climbers and professionals.

Additionally, if you live in the South East or are visiting and would like to get out there with me, feel free to book me through my guide service, Atlanta Rock Climbing Company.

Interview With Professional Rock Climbing Guide Jason Schmaltz