Local High Point Climber Interview

Barrett Woodward stands a lanky six feet and carries an Oakley bag into his rock gym in Greensboro each day. He leaves dripping with sweat and covered head-to-toe with powder from his chalk bag that is eclectically decorated with tiny frogs playing musical instruments. For Barrett, climbing is more than a work-out or a hobby–it is a lifestyle. Barrett trains relentlessly to reach his goals in the gym and outdoors on craggy surfaces.

Barrett is a High Point, North Carolina local. He was raised on Johnson street and attended church every Sunday and a local public school during the week. Itching to get out, he needed to find a passion. That outlet for him was climbing. He has plans, dreams and hopes for his future that seemingly all revolve around climbing. I had the chance to sit down and ask Barrett a few questions about his passion for climbing and where he hopes it will lead him.

During our interview I learned how knowledgable he is about his art of choice. He brings to light that climbing is much more than an auto-belay at the state fair. Continue reading to see answers, insights and dreams from the local High Point climber, Barrett Woodward..

1. How long have you been climbing?

"Sooo, I have been climbing for about two and a half years.

2. Do you think that living in High Point has offered you good places to climb? If not, where would you rather be?

"No, High Point isn't really a prime climbing place. Out West is where the better variety of climbing is."

3. Why do you think you are so passionate about climbing?

"Rock climbing is just another sport but, the thrill of getting to the top of a route or finishing a problem is probably what does it for me but, it's almost therapeutic in a way for me."

4. What has climbing offered you that you may have never had the chance to experience without it?

"A lot of relationships and opportunities. It's helped me learn a lot about myself and a lot about my body and how it works and what I am really capable of."

5. How would you explain climbing to someone who has never done it before?

"It's not all upper body strength. In order to climb with ease and technique it requires you to use your whole body."

6. What are some of the most challenging things you have experienced as a climber?

"Plateaus," he says almost before I can finish the question, "Plateaus are pretty rough in climbing. It's very frustrating when you can't make any progress and sometimes being forced to take a break to let your muscles heal and recover.

7. Can you tell me about a time when climbing helped you outside of the gym?

"When I first started going to the gym I really would only go to just get my mind off of everything else going on. Like I said, it's therapeutic in a way."

8. What has been your biggest success as a climber?

"Just progressing, honestly. Getting passed a low point or a grade is really rewarding for me."

9. Do you think that community is helpful/beneficial to climbing?

"The community is a huge part of climbing. Being able to help each other out and being able to keep crags clean and safe for other climbers is really important."

During this answer, my ears perked up. It is so refreshing to hear people working together rather than competing in a sport. The climbers at Barrett's local gym deeply care for one another. They help each other out, support each other, and keep each other safe.

10. Can you tell me about your first outdoor climb?

"My first outdoor climb was at Moore's wall and it was a boulder that completely shut me down. I did eventually get it but it took some time."

11. For you, what is the biggest difference in climbing indoors versus outdoors?

"Outdoor and indoor climbing are two different worlds. One of the biggest differences is looking for holds. Inside, they are taped or they are all the same color but, outside you just have to look at the rock with can be very challenging at times."

12. Do you prefer indoor or outdoor climbing?

"I prefer indoor!"

13. What surprises you most when you climb?

"How minor adjustments can change a whole climb pretty much just because of your body position."

14. Can you tell me something positive that has come from climbing for you?

Barrett answered this question with much excitement and told me, "I've been a lot more open-minded and it has made me try harder in a lot of my every day life.

15. What are some negative's?

With a sunken face he answers shortly, "Injuries."

16. If you could explain climbing in as little as five words, what would you say?

"It takes a toll," he says with a chuckle.

My final question for Barrett was asking him where he see's himself as a climber in the next five years? I was very curious to see where his climbing journey would take him in the near future and what his plans were. He answered me with bright eyes and a bashful smile saying, " In five years the goal would be living in a van traveling and continuously finding projects and finishing them and then moving on to the next. Hopefully by then I would have sponsors and companies working with me while I am climbing."

Barrett is a human who exemplifies what climbers around the world are working towards and hoping for. He continues to work daily towards his goals and is hopeful for his future career in climbing.