Staff Profiles

We like climbing

The Front is proud to have a talented, diverse, and knowledgeable staff. Look below to find the answers to all of those juicy questions you've always wanted to ask but were too shy.

Our routes are as unique and diverse as the people who set them. Check out the staff stats to gain a deeper insight into your bouldering experience at The Front. Setters' initials are labeled on the tape next to the starting hold of each problem.

Mike

What's your history with The Front Climbing Club? I started volunteering at the Front in SLC as a setter when I lived there in the spring of 2010. I moved back to Idaho in the summer of 2010 and started working here at the Front Boise at the end of August.

Where is your home town? Moscow...so I guess I'm a Vandal at heart ;)

How long have you been climbing? What is you memory of the first time you ever went climbing? I have been climbing for 11 years. My sister took me for the first time in June of 1999 at a granite sport climbing area in North Central Washington called Mazama. I tied in for the first time ever and lead a dead-vertical 5.10c

What do you do to train for climbing? I do crossfit workouts for overall fitness and weight loss, circuit training for endurance, and gymnastic rings for power

What is your favorite climbing area? Riggins Idaho. I started bouldering there and it was where I realized that training and dedication paid off. For new lines and first ascents, Joe's Valley is THE PLACE TO BE!!!!!

What is your favorite climbing snack/ power food? Apples, always carry and apple for the last few burns of the day

If you could be any type of climbing hold, what would it be? A pinch with a cool thumb catch in a roof, or a slopey crimper at Joe's Valley in Utah

Why do you climb? Because it is challenging in every aspect, especially when you are at your physical and mental limit. Keeping it together when you are trying your ultimate hardest tests your mental discipline. Also failing on a project is one of the worst and best things for me. It renews my drive to train harder

Climbing theme song? Stronger by Kanye West, and anything with a sick dubstep beat

Anything big outside of climbing in your life? Getting married soon (???) to Kaiya, graduating from college so I can get a slightly higher paying job

What annoys you while climbing? People that are not fun to be around when they can't send. If you are getting all pissed off just remember that it's a rock. Nothing more

What's your dream climbing trip? Where? With who? Fontainbleau France, with my fiance Kaiya of course, and our friends Mike and Tammy “TimTamCrush� McClure

Nick

What's your history with The Front Climbing Club? I am a US. Marine, left California for Boise and I fell in love with climbing. So, naturally I joined the best gym in Boise.

Where is your home town? Sun Valley, ID

How long have you been climbing? What is you memory of the first time you ever went climbing? 3 years

What do you do to train for climbing? I like to keep it fresh. I mountain bike, run, hike with my dogs and anything else that gets the heart pumping as long as I'm outside.

What is your favorite climbing area? High Alpine

What is your favorite climbing snack/ power food? Fresh produce, veggies and fruit. And tons of turkey jerky! Pasta!

If you could be any type of climbing hold, what would it be? Big Huge Jugs:D

Why do you climb? I climb because no matter what I'm carrying on my back in life, the minute my fingers touch rock the only thing that matters is the moment.

Anything big outside of climbing in your life? Running!

What's your dream climbing trip? Where? With who? South Africa With anyone that wants to go!