Peter Broback and Jessica Davidson

Members since 2012 and 2014

How did you start climbing?
Peter: I started climbing with my dad. We do a lot of of ski mountaineering and I got interested in all types of climbing from that.

Jessica: I started climbing about a year ago when I came back from teaching in Japan. Peter brought me to Edgeworks and I’ve pretty much been coming nonstop since then. I like physical challenges and the thoughtfulness of climbing.

Why do you climb at Edgeworks?
Edgeworks is the superior climbing gym in Tacoma, obviously! The staff are great and the routes are constantly changing and usually very fun, challenging, and interesting. It’s a good place to train for the outdoors.

Where is your favorite place to climb outside?
We both agree that Leavenworth has so far been our favorite place to climb, although Peter says he wants to spend more time at Index.

What do you do when you’re not climbing?
Jessica: When I’m not climbing, I’m usually slinging delicious vegan food in the Proctor District, or else I’ve got
my nose shoved deep into a book. Or I’m singing to my plants and chasing our kitten around.

Peter: Thinking about climbing.

What are some interesting facts that you’d like to share with the Edgeworks community?
Jessica: This is nerdy and entirely unrelated to anything anyone else cares about, but my interesting fact is that the Japanese language is entirely unrelated, linguistically speaking, to any other language. While it’s true that one of its three written systems is based on the use of Chinese characters, the spoken language, its grammar, is in its own family, although some linguists believe it to possibly be related to Korean or Turkish. (Totally random, but I’m a bit of a language nerd, speak some Japanese, and have visited Japan 5 times.)

Peter: The average income of a person in 1993 buying a new Range Rover was $400,000. the average price of a 1993 Range Rover today is $700.

Evolution Aero Bicolor Dry 60M

by Andrew Powell

This is a great new rope by Sterling! In four days I pulled it up 42 pitches of sandstone in the Red Rocks Conservation Area, Nevada. It is super lightweight and supple at 9.2mm and 56g/m. It was light enough that on rope stretching pitches, I did not feel like it was dragging me down.

I used it in combination with a heavier 9.8mm rope to simultaneously belay multiple followers. This new Sterling rope handled much nicer and was easier to pull through a belay device than the thicker rope.

During single pitch climbing, it was also noticeably easier to belay with. The sheath is smooth and durable, showing limited signs of wear after fairly heavy use on the highly textured sandstone.

While taking lead falls, this rope was comparable to most other dynamic ropes that I have used.

If you have not switched to a Bi-color rope yet, do it! The convenience of finding the middle point is well worth the extra cost. The only downside to this rope is shared by any small diameter line, they seem to get stuck in cracks more frequently than bulkier ropes.

In summation, this rope is great and Sterling consistently puts out great rope products.

Evolution Aero Bicolor Dry 60M

25% OFF the March 27th and April 19th sessions of the Beginning Climbers Program
Sign Up TODAY!

Regular price: $199 | Discount Price: $149.25 | SAVE: $$49.75!
PROMO Code: CLIMBERS25

Beginning Climbers is a 10-week introduction program for youth climbers with little or no climbing experience who want to learn basic climbing technique and safety skills. The coaches at this level are focused on having fun while building strong, fit, and motivated climbers! Upon graduation, climbers will be encouraged to advance to our Junior or Club Climber’s programs.

Benefits:
– Climb regularly with other kids.
– Includes climbing games and activities.
– Learn basic climbing skills.
– High instructor to climber ratios.
– Membership and gear rental included!

Details:
Program Start Dates:
– Friday, March 27;  1 day/week for 10-weeks
– Sunday, April 19;  1 day/week for 10-weeks
Time: 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Cost: 10-Week Session: PREPAID: $199/session  ONLY: $149.25/session (with promo code)
Age: 6 to 14
Prerequisites: No experience necessary!

REGISTER ONLINE!

Fine Print:
Promo Code: CLIMBERS25 is valid for the Beginning Climbers program sessions beginning March 27, 2015 and April 19, 2015 ONLY; cannot be combined with other offers.

Join Edgeworks for a day of Climbing for Courage!

The 6th Annual CLIMBATHON to benefit First Descents is happening Saturday, April 18th, 2015 from 12:00pm – 4:00pm.

First Descents provides life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by cancer.

Registration is only $30 and you’ll receive a Buff, climbing for the duration of the event (including gear) and the chance to win some awesome prizes!

We hope to see you on April 18th to Climb for Courage!

Register online: support.firstdescents.org/fundraise

Lisa Wellman

Member since 2012

She responded with surprise upon being notified that she’d been selected as this month’s Member Spotlight but if you keep reading we’re pretty sure you’ll understand why. (Because being part of the Edgeworks community is about more than sending the hardest routes.) Learn a little more about Lisa…

How did you start climbing?
Lisa: A wonderful friend (BJ Stockton) introduced me to climbing; though I could only learn from him for about a year before he moved out of state. Luckily the community here continues to fill in the gaps.

Why do you climb at Edgeworks?
Lisa: I won’t mention the proximity to my home (but that’s a plus) because it’s really that Edgeworks offers that Cheers atmosphere. Everyone is friendly and helpful (staff & members alike). The encouragement that goes along with the welcoming faces is priceless.

Where is your favorite place to climb outside?
Lisa: I’m still such a rookie with this since all of my outdoor experience is via leeching off of experienced climbers and awesome Edgeworks trips. So far the highlights are Red Rocks in Vegas and Smith Rock.

What do you do when you’re not climbing?
Lisa: Working as a physical therapist and being a mom to 2 boys (ages 3 & 5) keeps me beyond busy. I’ve also become a bit obsessed with gardening in the last year. And no, I don’t mind if you have questions about your injury, please ask, I LOVE helping when I can!

What are some interesting facts that you’d like to share with the Edgeworks community?
Lisa: The Jersey Shore cast is NOT from NJ, the NY Giants play and practice in NJ and there isn’t a better bagel in the  world then one from a small town in NJ…..guess where I’m from?! Happily transplanted about 13 years ago for graduate school, I am proud to call WA home.
On a different note, being a parent is the hardest yet most amazing job in the world. High five to all you parents out there! If you’re not a parent, hug someone who is, we can always use some TLC no matter what stage of parenting we’re in.

JOSH BENNETT

Member Since 2013

With 151 check-ins in 2014, you probably recognize Josh’s face. Now’s your chance to get to know him a little better in this month’s Member Spotlight.

How did you start climbing?
Josh: I was introduced to climbing right at Edgeworks by Matt Stoner. I was supremely confident I would cruise everything, when I couldn’t… well it got me hooked. Not sure why I like climbing so much… just sorta clicks.

Why do you climb at Edgeworks?
Josh: I climb at Edgeworks because of the people, the setters, and friends. The problems and routes are always good and you always get a smile when you walk through the door. It’s just a great environment… never met someone I didn’t like at Edgeworks.  Also it’s super close to my house!

Where is your favorite place to climb outside?
Josh: GOLD BAR!!! I’m a freak for Gold Bar! The hike, the seclusion, the view… and that stone quality… oooh soo good. Anyone wanna take a trip?!

What do you do when you’re not climbing?
Josh: Hike a lot, I’m always running around trying to find the newest adventure. Lots of hiking and trying to see new things and just being out in nature.. But mostly climbing or watching /reading something about climbing…. I may be obsessed.

What are some interesting facts that you’d like to share with the Edgeworks community?
Josh: Red, Yellow, and Blue are not the true primary colors. Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow are.

Taylor Easley

Member since 2012

A dedicated climber, Taylor has been known to brave 16 degree temps and forego sleep for 36 hours all in the interest of an awesome climbing trip and all while working the graveyard shift.

Get to know Taylor…

How did you start climbing?
Taylor: Not long after Ben McMullen signed up for his membership, he invited me to go climbing with him. Needless to say, after that first day with blistered hands and pumped forearms I was hooked for life.

Why do you climb at Edgeworks?
Taylor: I started climbing at Edgeworks because it was the only gym that I knew of at the time. However, the reasons I keep coming back are because of the great community, the knowledgeable and friendly staff, and the route setting is second to none.

Where is your favorite place to climb outside?
Taylor: Man, that’s a tough question. I have not been too many places yet but, I would have to go with Leavenworth. Bouldering in Icicle Canyon is always an amazing time with a beautiful backdrop.

What do you do when you’re not climbing?
Taylor: Well, I am definitely a nerd so I fill a good bit of time with reading, video games, board games and other such activities. Apart from climbing the only other sport I play on a regular basis is soccer (the greatest game known to man!).

What are some interesting facts that you’d like to share with the Edgeworks community?
Taylor: Hmm… Oh, I got a good one. A picosecond is a unit of time that equals 10^(-12) so 0.000 000 000 001 seconds. One picosecond is the length of time it takes for light to travel approx. 0.3mm.