Q. How did you get into climbing?
A. I was invited along by Matt and Anthony during a time where I particularly needed some time away from the trials of life. I thoroughly enjoyed it and have been chronically addicted ever since.

Q. What’s something climbing has given you that you didn’t expect?
A. An outlet where I can easily achieve a flow state, a new understanding of my body – particularly my wingspan – and, as previously mentioned, a chronic addiction.

Q. What do you prefer: top rope, lead or bouldering, and why?
A. I’m torn between lead and bouldering. However, I generally don’t get the opportunity to lead as often as I’d like, as it’s a little more niche.

Q. What do you do when you’re not climbing?
A. Think about climbing, and randomly do pull-ups on door frames and other edges – mostly at work.

Q. Do you have a favourite climbing spot or just a favourite place outdoors?
A. I haven’t been outdoors enough to have a favourite spot yet. And not to be a suck-up, but no other gym compares to Climbing Jungle, so for now it’s easily Climbing Jungle.

Q. What’s your favourite thing about the gym or the community here?
A. The community at the gym is incredible. Earlier on in my climbing journey, I’d rock up alone to boulder with my headphones in. Before long, I found myself taking them out to chat with complete strangers about beta—and pretty much everything else. That’s the beauty of climbing. Where else do you get such a diverse group of people from all ages and backgrounds? Everyone at Climbing Jungle has been nothing but friendly and approachable. And the staff? They’re an absolute bunch of legends – always up for a chat, always happy to share the latest beta, and constantly encouraging everyone to climb their best. I couldn’t commend them more highly.

Darius, CJ Member