United Kingdom
Germany
USA
Tom has a fondness for trad, winter and alpine climbing
I’m psyched for big and inspiring routes around the world - from high alpine objectives to cool trad lines. I've devoted myself to this way of life, which blends a nomadic lifestyle with a constant desire for ‘more.' The bigger and badder the route, the greater I’m drawn to it.
If I could stereotype two experiences, I’d choose being high on a remote mountain which has caught my eye - perhaps it’s the difficulty, the altitude or the shape of it. The peak is cracked by snow and ice, and my partner(s) and I have been climbing for several days, in complete trust, totally 'going for it.' This experience is so real: the commitment, the adventure and the psyche is about as adventurous as life gets. Secondly, and equally, I’d choose the trad sea cliffs of Gogarth, North Wales. I’m always keen for long pumpy routes high above the waves, the sun burning my neck, pulling hard on the crux and gunning for good holds.
I’m naturally very psyched and full of energy so it’s never hard to justify climbing. I enjoy everything about ‘moving upwards,’ from the endorphin release to the physical and mental challenges - and the views from the top, of course! You can call it what you want: obsession or escapism, but I think it’s just brilliant.
I treasure the raw emotions at the end of multi-day alpine route, the satisfaction of a hard-won onsight and the flash of magic as the sun sets behind distant peaks. Climbing hard routes or first ascents often involves so many unknowns and challenges, so it can be a fight and easy to surrender. I’m usually rewarded for trying hard. Good hooks or the ‘thunk’ of the axe biting into solid ice will come. Remember, the limits are all in your mind.
I value integrity and style. Climbing is a personal endeavour, but it also relies on honesty. You not only set a standard for yourself, but also for others. This applies to what you climb, how you climb and where you quit. That’s why I like getting to the top of routes and the beauty of a good sandbag. I’d much rather let my climbing speak for itself; I'd rather my first ascents in the UK, Alaska and Karakoram indicate boldness and adventure. Since there’s more to life than climbing, I also appreciate good parties and writing. My ambitions are relatively simple: to climb for longer with less; to place more gear but faster; and to one day be content with always wanting more, and what has been.
If I could stereotype two experiences, I’d choose being high on a remote mountain which has caught my eye - perhaps it’s the difficulty, the altitude or the shape of it. The peak is cracked by snow and ice, and my partner(s) and I have been climbing for several days, in complete trust, totally 'going for it.' This experience is so real: the commitment, the adventure and the psyche is about as adventurous as life gets. Secondly, and equally, I’d choose the trad sea cliffs of Gogarth, North Wales. I’m always keen for long pumpy routes high above the waves, the sun burning my neck, pulling hard on the crux and gunning for good holds.
I’m naturally very psyched and full of energy so it’s never hard to justify climbing. I enjoy everything about ‘moving upwards,’ from the endorphin release to the physical and mental challenges - and the views from the top, of course! You can call it what you want: obsession or escapism, but I think it’s just brilliant.
I treasure the raw emotions at the end of multi-day alpine route, the satisfaction of a hard-won onsight and the flash of magic as the sun sets behind distant peaks. Climbing hard routes or first ascents often involves so many unknowns and challenges, so it can be a fight and easy to surrender. I’m usually rewarded for trying hard. Good hooks or the ‘thunk’ of the axe biting into solid ice will come. Remember, the limits are all in your mind.
I value integrity and style. Climbing is a personal endeavour, but it also relies on honesty. You not only set a standard for yourself, but also for others. This applies to what you climb, how you climb and where you quit. That’s why I like getting to the top of routes and the beauty of a good sandbag. I’d much rather let my climbing speak for itself; I'd rather my first ascents in the UK, Alaska and Karakoram indicate boldness and adventure. Since there’s more to life than climbing, I also appreciate good parties and writing. My ambitions are relatively simple: to climb for longer with less; to place more gear but faster; and to one day be content with always wanting more, and what has been.
