partner matters

i think i've discovered the key to becoming a better climber.

it's all about your partner and his or her experience relative to yours. in just three climbing sessions with my new friend jared, my climbing ability has improved dramatically. jared has been climbing for four years and is a great motivator/teacher. his simple "this is so easy. you got this" and "obviously leading a 5.10- is too easy for you, you need something more challenging" has a powerful impact - at least psychologically. with him, and in just two climbing days, i passed my indoor lead test and also red-pointed two 5.10-s on lead. i also worked on leading a 5.10+ that felt great.

good/experienced partner = awesome results.

the challenge of course becomes: how do you keep them around?

Photo: David Boulders by Jared