The Careless Talk Climbing Podcast E148: Eric Jerome - Searching for the best boulders, life lessons and working for KAYA
May 14, 2025
Join strong boulderer Eric Jerome, known for identifying the best climbing spots in the US and contributing to climbing history. He shares insights into his journey, including the challenges of curation and evaluating climbing quality. Discover why he chose a less popular area for climbing, his previous struggles with an eating disorder, and the lessons he’s learned. Eric also discusses his work with KAYA, which focuses on responsible sharing and access ethics in the climbing community.
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Objective Boulder Quality Criteria
- Objectivity in ranking boulders involves weighting more measurable qualities higher. - Rock quality, line singularity, and height are more objective than subjective scenery or movement.
Why Hard Problems Attract Praise
- Harder boulders receive more stars due to memorable and pure climbing experiences. - Difficulty and effort intensify climbers' emotional connection to problems.
Obsessed with Top 100 Boulders
- Eric's obsession with ranking boulders began as a teen to manage climbing desires. - He collaborated with experts nationwide to build the US top 100 list.