First Ascent Podcast

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.

This week Jay poses an interesting question: Does sketchiness have a place in climbing? 

Get an idea of what the guys think ‘sketchiness’ exactly is, hear the sketchiest stories from their early days (and recent days!), and learn why sketchy experiences at the crag can be both very important to growth and still ill advised. 

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.

Torie and Kayte have taken over the pod! Tune in to hear their thoughts on unsolicited beta, and why an ego check might be necessary regardless of whether you’re on the giving or receiving end of it. You’ll also hear some great stories about pushing past your limits and gym bros. 

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.

Our Official Science Correspondent Kathrine Hinkle joins us for the first time today for an in-depth chat about the geological history of the rocks we climb. Learn how the rock faces of New Hampshire were formed, and get her expert insight on how climate change is affecting the climbing season. Plus, Katherine also weighs in on the most  controversial First Ascent Pod topic of all - sunshirts. 

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 Lee and Jay discuss link-ups and eliminates as Lee poses the question: When (if ever) are link-ups and eliminates worthy of being considered their own separate routes? 

What do you think? Let us know on Instagram at  @firstascentpod. 

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 Jay and Lee are joined by Pat Cooke, an avid ice climber and regular at Russell Crag during the warm months. Pat has led over 1,000 ice climbs in the last 18 years, so he has a thing or two to share about the sport, including his approach to safety and how to sustain long term enjoyment in the sport. 

Plus, hear Pat’s unvarnished opinions about Jay and Lee’s work on the lines at Russell Crag! 

Follow along with First Ascent on Instagram at  @firstascentpod. 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 share their thoughts around everyone’s least favorite part of climbing - falling. It's natural to feel a little (or a lot of!) fear around falling, but by knowing how to prepare and process your risk, you can cut a bit of the anxiety and handle it in a graceful way. 

Follow along with First Ascent on Instagram at  @firstascentpod. 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.