“There are no such things as bad conditions, just bad attitudes” - Tim Deroehn

Today, Jay and Lee let you in on one of the best kept secrets of climbing - climbing in cold weather. Hear their thoughts on the weather conditions to look for, techniques for keeping warm (hello screaming pukies!), and how to choose the best routes. 

Plus, get the guys unvarnished views on Totem cams, the ‘no anticipation send’, and Cloudwalker. 

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.

Mountain guide and avid ice climber Dave Lottman joins us on the show today for a wide ranging conversation about ice climbing, avalanche preparedness, and what he’s looking forward to this ice climbing season. Plus, we’ll tackle a few listener questions! 

For more about Dave and his class offerings, check out his Instagram, blog, or at www.nemountaineering.com. 

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.

You asked, we answered! This week we’re going through the First Ascent mailbag to answer questions that have come our way. 

Do you have a burning question that you’d like answered on a future episode? DM it to 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 cover what is possibly the most important piece of gear of all: shoes. Learn about the history of how climbing shoes changed the game, the impotance of shoe sizing, and hear Jay and Lee’s debate on best shoes throughout the years. 

What are your desert island climbing shoes? 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.

The ice climbing season is upon us and Jay and Lee are joined today by an impressive line up of dedicated ice climbers to chat about just that. Tune in to hear a wide ranging conversation on ice climbing with guests Pat Cooke, Luke Hampton, Jon Nicolodi, Zac St. Jules, and Yan Mongrain.

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.

We are back with Part 2! This week Jay and Lee continue with their list of what they believe to be the most classic climbs of each rating in New Hampshire - 5.11 - 5.14.

Tell us your thoughts on classic climbs - did we nail it or not? 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.

By Popular Demand! This week Jay and Lee name what they believe to be the most classic climbs of each rating in New Hampshire - 5.3 - 5.10.

Tune in next week for 5.11-5.14s! 

Tell us your thoughts on classic climbs - did we nail it or not? 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 discuss the unique language of climbing - beta. Hear their thoughts about the lore, the subtlety, the categories, and how it’s utilized to communicate with the rock. 

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.

This week, the guys pick up their discussion about safety with one of the most important topics of all: belaying.

Tune in to hear their thoughts on the history of belaying, the lost art that it once was, jump and soft catch and reducing impact.

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.

Last week at the crag, Jay got hit in the head with a rock (he’s ok!), so it’s time for Jay and Lee to review one of the most important topics in climbing: safety. 

Today, they share their thoughts on safety surrounding helmets, knots, harnesses, carabiners and belaying. 

Tune in next week for a deeper talk on safe belaying! 

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.