Member Spotlight March 2020
Aixa Ardín
Member since 2018
Where did you grow up and how did you end up in the Pacific Northwest?
Aixa: I grew up in San Juan, Puerto Rico. I wanted to move out from Puerto Rico and chose the PNW as my destination because of its high rainfall, natural spaces and outdoor activities.
What’s the story behind your becoming a climber? How did you end up at Edgeworks?
Aixa: As soon as I moved here I made friends who suggested I try climbing with them. Initially I declined the invitation for a year. When I finally gave in.I was immediately hooked. I became a member within a week.
If you had to choose between bouldering, top rope or lead climbing as the only form of climbing you could do from here on out, what would you choose and why?
Aixa: Top rope, I want to keep climbing well into my 70s and I feel this is the best way to minimize the chances of getting injured.
What type of music are you jamming out to lately?
Aixa: I listen to a lot of jazz and latin american music. In jazz I recommend the new recordings from Anat Cohen Tentet, Triple Helix and from Joey Alexander, Warna. From Latin America look for Ilé’s Almadura and Kevin Johansen’s Algo Ritmos.
What is one lesson you’ve learned as a climber that you would teach to your younger self who’s just starting out climbing?
Aixa: Have patience and train slowly.
Best part about Edgeworks?
Aixa: It’s friendly community and I really enjoy participating in the POC and Queer night events that promote more inclusion and diversity.
Could you tell us something about you that our community members might not know? What’s your jam outside of Edgeworks?
Aixa: I am a poet, photographer and LGBTQ activist. What’s your jam outside of Edgeworks? Hiking around Washington and biking in Tacoma looking for good eats.
What’s your goal for the months ahead as far as climbing and fitness go?
Aixa: I am training to complete the Member Challenge point for 3 pull-ups, complete my lead certification and break the 5.10 threshold into a 5.11- before summer.
