Tom Randall on Urban Climbing, Free Soloing, and Running From the Cops
Oct 9, 2024
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Tom Randall, a climbing coach and urban climbing expert, shares exciting insights from his thrilling career. He discusses the unique challenges of buildering, including scouting urban climbs and the thrill of scaling buildings. Tom recounts his memorable climbs in cities like Berlin and London, while navigating the legal gray areas of urban climbing. He also dives into the mindset required for success and shares training tips for aspiring climbers. Listeners will love his anecdotes about the exhilarating highs and humorous lows of urban climbing adventures!
Urban climbing, or buildering, offers a unique alternative for climbers in cities lacking natural rock, fostering creativity and adaptability.
The risks associated with urban climbing require climbers to evaluate environmental factors and material reliability, emphasizing the need for informed safety measures.
Effective training for urban climbing necessitates a combination of physical strength exercises and mental resilience to tackle challenging projects.
Deep dives
Origins of Urban Climbing
The speaker shares their personal experience beginning their climbing career predominantly on artificial structures, specifically buildings. Initially dedicating 95% of the first two years to this unique form of climbing, they emphasize the importance of urban climbing, especially in cities where natural rock formations may be inaccessible. This segment highlights how urban environments can offer interesting and challenging climbing opportunities, providing an alternative for climbers seeking new experiences outside conventional settings. Furthermore, the emergence of urban climbing has sparked curiosity and conversation about the techniques, risks, and benefits involved in this unconventional form of climbing.
The Challenge of Off-Width Climbing
Tom Randall discusses his recent training for Autobahn, touted as one of the hardest off-width climbs in the world. The climb, located under a bridge, features 60 meters of relentless off-width stacks and is estimated to rank as challenging as 8C plus or around 514B/C in the grading system. The speaker reflects on the intense physical preparation required for such daunting projects, comparing it to the equivalent of climbing multiple 8As consecutively. This segment illustrates the mental and physical challenges of tackling high-stakes climbs, as well as the excitement of pushing one's limits in urban climbing settings.
Navigating the Risks of Urban Climbing
The podcast delves into the complexities and unique risks associated with urban climbing, particularly the need for climbers to assess environmental factors and materials. Tom Randall explains how climbing on buildings involves a different skill set than traditional rock climbing, as climbers must judge the reliability of various surfaces they encounter. The conversation touches on the importance of making informed decisions regarding equipment and safety, emphasizing the need to be cautious when exploring facades. By sharing personal anecdotes, the episode underscores the thrill and unpredictability of urban climbing ventures and the necessity of situational awareness.
The Appeal of Climbing in Urban Settings
Urban climbing opens up a new world of opportunities for climbers, especially those living in cities without access to natural rock. The speaker emphasizes how many city-dwellers are drawn to climbing buildings due to the lack of nearby gyms or crags that offer the adventure they seek. Tom Randall elaborates on how the thrill of finding suitable climbing spots in urban areas can lead to a transformative experience, allowing climbers to see their cities in a new light. The episode reveals the creative ways climbers are adapting to their environments, showcasing the fun and innovative spirit of buildering.
Training Techniques and Mental Preparation
Listeners gain valuable insights into the mental and physical training necessary for improving urban climbing skills. The episode discusses key training approaches, including high-rep strength work and hip flexibility exercises, which are essential for mastering squeeze chimneys and off-width climbing. Additionally, the conversation tackles the psychological aspects of returning to projects after breaks, advising climbers to anticipate initial struggles and gradually build confidence. This dialogue offers encouragement and practical strategies for climbers navigating their own challenges and projects, reinforcing the importance of mental resilience in the sport.
BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:
PhysiVantage: the official climbing-nutrition sponsor of The Struggle. Use code STRUGGLE15 at checkout for 15% off your full-priced nutrition order.
Rúngne: Soft threads and high performing chalk! Use Code STRUGGLE for 15% Off Bags, Buckets, Chalk & Apparel from Rúngne!
SCARPA: Whether you’re a climber, trail runner, skier, or hiker, SCARPA offers an array of adventure footwear for the adventure seeker in you. With a commitment to sustainability. SCARPA, No Place Too Far.
HERE is the flexibility video I mention during the Q&A
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This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin, and edited by Glen Walker. The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation and is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!
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