Maja Vidmar

Interview – Katie Brown

Katie Brown

30.11.1980

California

Climber/bouldering

Moto: It’ll be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.

Let’s start with some climbing questions. I’m shure you have a route or a problem in mind that you’ll never forget. Why is it so special for you?

One route that I will never forget is the west face of El Cap. I think it is 11d (which in Yosemite can be hard) and 19 pitches. It is such a stunning route, and very varied, and I had a beautiful day with a good friend climbing it. It starts with several low angle, challenging and somewhat scary pitches. Then some easy climbing, culminating with a corner crux pitch with very thin gear and an overhanging crux pitch high above the ground. From that point there are some easy pitches through amazing, huge white quartzite crystal, then one more difficult slab move before several pitches of easy climbing that can be easily simul-climbed for efficiency. From the top you have to hike across the whole top of El Cap and then down the east ledges. It’s a very long day, but an incredible one and it’s one of the highest quality routes overall that I’ve ever done.

What are your weaknesses and where do you feel the storngest? Which climbing style is your favourite?

My weakness is definitely power. I’m not naturally powerful, and I don’t really train it, because bouldering frustrates me. I hate doing one move and falling off. When I’m climbing I want to be free to move and get in a flow and bouldering is very stop and go. I feel the strongest on long, traditional routes these days, and it’s also my favorite. I’m an endurance person, and I like coming down at the end of the day having climbed an entire feature and having my whole body, from my toes to my head, be tired.

Can you discribe how you feel when you are in the best shape ever, when you win something or you realize your goals and dreams. How is it when nothing goes as you want it or expect it?

I haven’t been in great shape for years. I just don’t have the passion or interest to train, but that is okay, because I wasn’t happy when I was in really great training shape, and I’m happy now. There is so much more in life to experience than climbing a hard route or winning a competition or training, and if you’re focusing on these things then sometimes you’re missing out on life. And life is short and not to be wasted.
Also, I’ve often found that when you don’t expect to do great things, that is when you do them, because your head is in a better place.

Do you believe that everything happens for a reason?

I don’t know. Not really. “Shit happens” as they say.

Are you supertitious? Do you have some special rituals?

No. I’m not superstitious and I don’t have special rituals. I used to, when I competed, but not anymore.

What are the things you appreciate the most on someone?

It depends. In a friend I appreciate honesty, compassion, camaradie, laughter, and a fun spirit, among other things. My best friends are people whom I won’t see for months but when I see them again it’s like we were never apart. In men I appreciate openness, confidence, an outgoing nature, and humor.

What is the thing you can’t resist, like your obsession?

Coffee. Clothes. My dog pawing me to go do something fun.

Your goals, dreams for the future?

I’m going to clothing design school right now, so one of my goals is to become a clothing designer. Also to climb more in Yosemite, and to travel to some new places that I haven’t been to yet.

Write something for the visitors of my web page.

Thanks for reading this interview!

Interview – Nalle Hukkataival

Nalle Hukkataival

8.9.1986

All over the world / Helsinki, Finland

Climber/bouldering

Moto: Why not?

Let’s start with some climbing questions. I’m shure you have a route or a problem in mind that you’ll never forget. Why is it so special for you?

I just got back from South Africa where I climbed this boulder called Sky, 8B+. What makes it so special is the pure dynamic movement on it. The problem climbs this beautiful 45 degree overhang. It has only three moves but each one of them is long dynamic jump to an iron cross and the best thing about it is that there is no way get around it, you just have to do these crazy dynos. I have always been interested in dynos and this problem is just perfect in that style.

What are your weaknesses and where do you feel the storngest? Which climbing style is your favourite?

My biggest weakness as a boulderer must be my endurance. I’m also much weaker on slopers than crimps. Dynamic climbing on steep rock is definately what I’m good at and like to do.

Can you discribe how you feel when you are in the best shape ever, when you win something or you realize your goals and dreams. How is it when nothing goes as you want it or expect it?

Usally I feel strongest when I’ve been on a trip for a few weeks. When you get into the style of climbing and learn to read the rock better things usually start to go much smoother. It’s a great feeling being in a good shape because not only you can climb harder problems but you can also climb more. Sometimes when you get over exited and don’t rest enough or you wreck your skin it gets really frustrating because you know that you could climb so much harder if you just would take a few rest days.

Do you believe that everything happens for a reason?

Sometimes it seems like it, but not really.

Are you supertitious? Do you have some special rituals?

I have a certain way I always chalk up but that’s it.

What are the things you appreciate the most on someone?

When climbing highballs it’s always nice to know that you can trust your friend to spot you well.

What is the thing you can’t resist, like your obsession?

What comes to climbing i would say dynos and crazy beta.

Your goals, dreams for the future?

I would like to travel somewehere where no-one has been climbing before and develope a new area.

Write something for the visitors of my web page.

Have fun climbing!

Interview – Katja Vidmar

Katja Vidmar

13.6.1984

Slovenia

Climber/bouldering

Moto: All you have is this moment.

Let’s start with some climbing questions. I’m shure you have a route or a problem in mind that you’ll never forget. Why is it so special for you?

I remember I wanted to do one beautiful arrete in Maltatal. I always want to do things that I think are beautiful and not necessarily the hardest. I needed many many tries for this arrete. Something was wrong all the time. It was hot or it was rainning or I had no more skin or I just couldn’t do it. But then one day I finally did it, it was so cool!

What are your weaknesses and where do you feel the storngest? Which climbing style is your favourite?

I’m not so strong on sloppers and dynos. But the thing is, when I’m in a good shape I don’t think about my weaknesses and I feel strong on every move.

Can you discribe how you feel when you are in the best shape ever, when you win something or you realize your goals and dreams. How is it when nothing goes as you want it or expect it?

For me it’s the best feeling in the world when I feel like nothing is impossible and when I really believe I can do every move. This feeling is better than winning and all. When nothing goes as I expect, it’s really hard for me to handle. First I’m in a bad mood, nerveus and everything. But then I realize (or somebody tells me) that I won’t get anywhere with this attitude. So I try to be more patient and I try to forget about my expectations and just climb. And then the good feelings come back again.

Do you believe that everything happens for a reason?

Yes, I believe everything happens for a reason, even the bad things.

Are you supertitious? Do yo have some special rituals?

I’m not superstitious and I don’t have any special rituals. My lucky number is 22 but that’s all.

What are the things you appreciate the most on someone?

I think honesty is the best quality someone can have. I like people who have a passion in life (it doesn’t have to be climbing) and I admire those who dare to be who they really are no matter what everyone else says.

What is the thing you can’t resist, like your obsession?

My obsession definitly climbing. The thing I can’t resist? Hmm…my boyfriend J.

Your goals, dreams for the future?

I don’t think about big goals right now. I want to finish this season as good as I started it and I’d like to go bouldering somewhere. Then I’ll think about what I want in the future.

Write something for the visitors of my web page.

Keep visiting Maja’s web page!

Bouldering in Val di Mello, photos by Roman Krajnik

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