First Ascent Podcast

Today Jay and Lee ask: are the right people making it to the top of the sport? And should we even think about it that way? In a world where social media prowess can heavily influence professional success, some excellent climbers are being left behind. At the same time, some average climbers with savvy social media skills are experiencing financial success beyond their skill level. The guys discuss how this has changed the climbing community as a whole. Plus, should it even matter to everyday climbers?

Follow along with First Ascent on Instagram at  @firstascentpod. Jay and Lee can be found at 

@jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Each new route is a unique labor of love for its developer; one that takes patience, care and creativity. Today, Lee and Jay share their process for creating new routes, and lay out general things to keep in mind if you plan to develop one yourself. 

Are you interested in learning more about bolting? Check out part one: The Science of Bolting!

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’s episode is all about bolts. Jay and Lee share their thoughts on the ins and outs of each type of bolt, red flags to look for when using bolts out on the crag, and how to choose the right anchor for your particular situation. 

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.

On sights, flash and projects - each style of climbing requires a totally unique mentality. Today, Jay and Lee discuss the important role that mindset plays in all types of climbing experiences. 

How does your view on mindset compare with ours? Let us know on Instagram at  @firstascentpod. Jay and Lee can be found at 

@jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Totem cams, Quads and even (Jay believes) sun shirts - some climbers become so connected to their gear that it seems to become a part of their personality. Today, Jay and Lee discuss the point at which gear preference veers from beneficial to overzealous. Then, the guys explore ways to politely speak about route difficulty in order to make all skill levels of climbers feel included at the crag. 

Follow along with First Ascent on Instagram at  @firstascentpod. Jay and Lee can be found at 

@jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Projecting a new route is one of the most enjoyable parts of climbing, but it can also be one of the most difficult. Today, Lee and Jay chat about the most integral things you need to have for a positive and productive projecting experience. 

Plus, in honor of Lee’s upcoming wedding, Lee and Jay each share how they proposed to their favorite climbing partners.

What do you believe are the key elements of projecting? Let us know on Instagram at @firstascentpod. Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

All the best crags have a pecking order, and the social scene can feel pretty intense. In this episode, Jay and Lee debate how to handle it if you feel like you’re being ranked by other climbers out on the crag. 

Then the guys break down what they each think are the most useful ways to learn anchor fundamentals (hint - it’s definitely not from Instagram). 

Follow along with First Ascent on Instagram at  @firstascentpod. Jay and Lee can be found at 

@jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Magnus Mitdbø recently shared a video where he free solo-ed for the first time -  seemingly against his better judgment - with Alex Honnold. Jay and Lee share their thoughts on why the video, and ones like it, set a dangerous precedent when it comes to climbing safety. Plus, listen to these two aging climbers do a shallow dive on how much climbing media has changed since they were coming up in the pre-internet era. 

Youtube: “Magnus Midtbø: Climbing with Alex Honnold **Insane Experience**”

https://m.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=Cyya23MPoAI&feature=emb_title

Follow along with First Ascent on Instagram at  @firstascentpod. Jay and Lee can be found at 

@jayknower and @xxleeweexx 

Get to know a bit about Jay and Lee and how they each found their passion for climbing. Then, listen to them spray about their favorite recent climbs and learn why they believe they are experiencing the golden age of Waterville Valley climbing. 


Climbing in the Waterville Valley area:

https://www.mountainproject.com/area/107346408/wm-waterville-valley

Dickey Ledge climbing:

https://www.mountainproject.com/area/120605174/high-camp-crags

Yellowjacket climbing:

https://www.mountainproject.com/area/108300240/yellowjacket-area

Mount Oceola climbing:

https://www.mountainproject.com/area/120605174/high-camp-crags

Russell Crags climbing:

https://www.mountainproject.com/area/120706547/russell-crags

Follow along with First Ascent on Instagram at  @firstascentpod. Jay and Lee can be found at 

@jayknower and @xxleeweexx