First Ascent Podcast

This week, Jay and Lee are winging it! Learn all about the Peregrine Falcon closure at Main Cliff in Rumney, and Chris Sharma’s first ascent of the 15 c, Sleeping Lion. Then, the guys answer your latest batch of listener questions. 

Connect with us at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

In today’s episode, Jay and Lee are joined by legendary New England climbers Ward and Chris Smith! Ward and Chris are responsible for some of the most beloved routes at Rumney and beyond. Tune in to learn how they got their start, what it was like to be a part of Team Tough during the height of development at Rumney, the challenges they’ve experienced in balancing access and overcrowding, and so much more. 

Check out Ward’s guide book to Rumney here: https://www.rockandsnow.com/91279/rumney/

Connect with us at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

Abby Erler and Kayte Knower join us today to talk about the access efforts that are underway at Merriam Woods (formerly Russell Crag). Learn about the vote that just occurred and where things will go from here. 

Are you passionate about recreation at Merriam Woods? Get involved at 

https://www.merriamwoods.org/

Connect with us at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

Today, Jay and Lee answer another batch of questions you’ve submitted. Hear their thoughts on ad campaigns, how to handle unsolicited beta, their skin care routines, and so much more.

Do you have a listener question or a topic idea? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

Today Jay and Lee tackle a topic they claim to know almost nothing about - training. The guys discuss the pros and cons of regimented training, the bits of training they do, and how pairing training with technique can be the golden ticket to unlocking higher grades. 

Do you have a listener question or a topic idea? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

Today Jay poses the question: When does a route stop being the purview of the first ascentionist and become the purview of the community? Then the guys answer your latest batch of listener questions. 

Do you have a listener question or a topic idea? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

Today Jay and Lee tackle a controversial topic - fixed gear! Learn their definition of fixed gear, get an overview of the different kinds of gear that can be fixed, and hear their thoughts on when it is (and isn’t) appropriate. Plus, Jay and Lee share two very different views on what the quintessential climbing experience looks like. 

Did we miss any types of fixed gear? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

First Ascent’s Science Correspondent Katharine Hinkle joins us today to dig into one of the big mysteries of climbing - what causes the distinct smell of a trundled boulder? Plus, learn why dew point is important for climbing conditions, and the science behind the frigid cold snap New Hampshire experienced last week. 

Join in on the conversation @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

Last week Jay and Lee attended the frigid Mt. Washington Valley Ice Fest! Brian O’Leary of Forecast Equipment joins the guys to chat about the event. Learn about Forecast’s cool ice tools and join in on their debate about climbing aids!

Where do you draw the line on what you consider a climbing aid? Let us know @firstascentpod on Instagram!

Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Learn more about Forecast Equipment’s ice tools here: https://www.forecastequipment.com/?fbclid=PAAaa6dKGH2ZzFgTM35LW4GP_stYtAS5vAyt7vSpxcJIk12aS0K5b0qPHMEY0

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

Today the guys talk through some of the most interesting terms in the climbing dictionary. Where did they originally come from? How have some terms have changed over the years? And what exactly do they mean?. Hear their thoughts on redpoint, gaston, thundercling (or THUMBdercling?), epics, whippers, and more! 

Disclaimer: 

The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

How have you bounced back from a climbing injury? Let us know @firstascentpod on Instagram!

Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx