Original Post

Shannon Davis · Joined Sep 2015 · Points: 140 Jun 14, 2016 · Lyons, CO Hey MP Community:



We’re launching a new interview series with Black Diamond. It’s called Ask a Badass, and each month for the rest of the year one BD athlete will be hanging out in our forums to answer your questions.



We’re stoked to announce that Hazel Findlay volunteered to go first! Thanks Gummy Bear! Next Thursday (6/23/16), she'll choose the most interesting inquiries you've got and write personal replies to them. Just add your questions to this forum thread, and she'll choose a handful to answer.



Plus you could win stuff! Black Diamond has set aside a Creek 35 pack and a Positron Quickpack, and Hazel will award them to the folks who post her three favorite questions in this forum thread.



We did this with Tommy Caldwell earlier this spring, and he set some guidelines which apply here, too: "Ask me the most engaging, thought-provoking question you can think of. Note that I did not say weirdest question!"



So, what burning questions do you have for Hazel? The mental game? Her favorite day in Yosemite? What climbing partners she loves best? Crack or friction tips?



Okay GO!



Ask a Badass: Hazel Findlay

Mason Roberts · Joined Jul 2014 · Points: 197 Jun 14, 2016 · Boulder, CO Dear Hazel,



I have always been curious about women's experience with the climbing community. Just judging from this forum, it appears that sexist comments and jokes are the norm, but maybe forums are worse than real life. They tend to be generally I guess, but I've also seen things at the gym and crags that make me cringe.



So my question is, have you experienced sexism in the climbing community and how have you dealt with it? Is it getting better or worse?



All the best,

Mason

DesertRat · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 196 Jun 14, 2016 · Flagstaff, AZ 1. Having now climbed all over the world, do you find that ethics in say, Yosemite, are much different in the UK? i.e. no damage to the rock/area, leaving fixed gear etc?



2. Do you have much interest in exploration climbing. Not just travel climbing, like you already have done, but remote towers and obscure wilderness ascents?



3. Now that you have learned to climb crack (after flailing on your first few Yosemite cracks), what are favorite climbing styles and types of rock to climb on? That is, is the Yosemite granite as addicting to you as it is to so many others?

plantmandan · Joined Sep 2010 · Points: 50 Jun 14, 2016 · Brighton, CO Can you describe the moment when you knew you would free climb El Capitan? What did it feel like to top out on Golden Gate?

Gaar · Joined Feb 2007 · Points: 1,155 Jun 14, 2016 · Springdale / Zion UT / Moab My apologies if these are considered direct questions.



1 ) How has your injury and rehab changed your outlook on climbing? Are you pushed

(personally or professionally) to achieve previous performance levels or do you now simply truly appreciate that you have the ability to climb once again?



2) Do you get to climb for yourself? Or are you directed and enticed towards specific objectives that will lead to a mutual benefit for a company or sponsor.



3) Why is pushing yourself so important? And who is it most important to?

Ted Pinson · Joined Jul 2014 · Points: 232 Jun 14, 2016 · Chicago, IL Most of the international comp climbers tend to be sport climbers or boulderers, yet you are unique in that you climb a lot of trad. Do you feel this gives you a unique perspective on indoor climbing comp routes? What advantages/disadvantages does being a trad climber bring to your comp career, and your comp training to your climbing on gear? How do you balance training for such radically different styles of climbing?

Jon Nelson · Joined Sep 2011 · Points: 5,860 Jun 14, 2016 · Redmond, WA Hazel,



Do you have any general 'words of wisdom' that you tend to follow (or try to follow), particularly something picked up from your own experiences, and would want to pass on to others?



Thanks -

theeinjem Walis · Joined May 2016 · Points: 36 Jun 14, 2016 · New Paltz, NY Greetings!

I find it difficult to sustain energy while climbing. Sometimes food doesn't seem appetizing after getting all pumped up.

What is your preference for food and snack on a climb day?

Sam Stephens · Joined Jan 2010 · Points: 1,075 Jun 14, 2016 · Louisville, KY Hazel,



Are American guys, European guys, or British guys worse when it comes trying to flex, show off their guns, and act like general jerks trying to pick up women climbers at the crag?



Sincerely

Simon W · Joined May 2013 · Points: 55 Jun 14, 2016 · Nowhere Land Hi Hazel,



Can you tell us about an awesome climbing experience you had where no camera crews or hollywood razzmatazz was involved?



I'm guessing some spice was involved, so follow up question-- Is spice best enjoyed in privacy? Or can Hazel Findlay have fun climbing something that isn't scary? ..Hazel doesn't bumble around the laywoman's crag.. or does she?



Your energy is awesome! Spice Girl is the best Real Rock piece of all time. Best of luck in your recovery.

PJ Benson · Joined Sep 2014 · Points: 35 Jun 14, 2016 · Jackson, NH Hi Hazel,



I'm curious whether you would rather project something right at your limit for months on end and dedicate all you training to that specific climb and its style, or if you would rather climb much more volume, a little easier, and with differing styles? Also, what has been your most rewarding project?



Keep Crushin'!

Just This Guy You Know · Joined Jul 2015 · Points: 54 Jun 14, 2016 · Unknown Hometown Thanks for doing this Hazel!



With the "leave no trace" wilderness ethic, and the rise of clean aid climbing, climbers are generally pretty good at low impact recreation. Our sport takes us to the wild, and we spent more time out in the environment than the average human. On the other hand, climbers travel all over the world, and use a lot of gear. A lot of our sport can seem pretty high impact in that regard. what are your thoughts on the global environmental impact of climbing, and adventuring? Do climbers have any responsibility to confront the impact our sport has on our planet?



Thanks for taking the time to answer these question, and you are an inspiration!

Gavin W · Joined Feb 2015 · Points: 181 Jun 14, 2016 · Langley, BC Hi Hazel!



Understandably, women can be intimidated while getting into climbing, and I've seen this firsthand while climbing with my wife. She enjoys easy/moderate sport climbing, but seems intimidated to get any deeper into the sport. In general, how can guys be allies for women trying to get into climbing, and make them feel welcome in a sport that seems to be dominated by men?



You and women like you are an inspiration to so many, keep crushing it!



-Gavin

Sends McGee · Joined Jul 2015 · Points: 15 Jun 14, 2016 · Denver, CO Hazel,



After climbing for almost 20 years, what are some of the most important things you know now about climbing that you wish you knew when you first started?

Jplotz · Joined Sep 2011 · Points: 1,265 Jun 14, 2016 · Wenatchee, WA Hello Hazel!



I asked Tommy Caldwell this question and surprisingly didn't get a response. So I'll ask you:.



Donald Trump has just been elected President of the US. Your reaction...



#2. Describe for us your dad's influence on you as a climber.

jacob m s · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 101 Jun 14, 2016 · Provo, Utah As an amazing climber and a women, do you ever feel pressure to represent women in climbing? Or do you think climbing culture has evolved to the point that women are no longer patronized, or treated like the weaker sex?



Or



When ever I see climbing films from the British isles the climbers seem to be climbing with very poor protection adding a high level of perceived danger, and from my american couch I feel this type of climbing must be ingrained in British climbing culture. How do you feel that this climbing culture has effected you and your climbing career?