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Business Books and Mindset Books That Rock Climbers Need To Read

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I’ve interviewed many rock climbers and outdoor enthusiasts.  I ask serious question and I ask silly questions.  I frequently ask them, “What is the last good book you have read?”

The answers vary widely.  Some read fiction and others read non-fiction.  You’ll see at the end of this article, that book list is as eclectic as the climbers themselves.  It makes me appreciate them even more.

So, what are the best business and mindset books that rock climbers need to read?

Books.  Smart and Driven People Read Books

First, I’ll give my 3 suggestions for MUST READ books; and then I’ll list the books that your fellow climbers have suggested.  Before we get to those lists, take a look at this list of climbers you probably know.

What about you?  Are you thinking about starting your own business?  Have you started, but things are not quite yet going as smoothly as you like?  Do you need a power boost?  How’s life?  Is there some shit hitting the fan right now?  Are you thriving?

Do you need a little BETA? [Read more…] about Business Books and Mindset Books That Rock Climbers Need To Read

Meet Louis McConnell Creator Of American Oak Hand Salve

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Meet Louis McConnell Creator Of American Oak Hand Salve

Meet Louis McConnell Creator Of American Oak Hand Salve

Many of us know Louis from the Kansas City Climbing Community.  He may have even helped you gear up when he worked at Moosejaw on the Plaza.  Well, did you know that Louis is a rock climber AND a body builder AND Crossfitter!  He is also a brand new entrepreneur. Louis is the owner of the American Oak Hand Salve Company.

Please show your support (*suggestions at the end of the interview).

And now, get to know Louis McConnell in 15 seconds:

The exercise I hate the most is Jerks because I have terrible overhead strength.

You will hear me scream like a Howler Monkey when (google that, it is hilarious), anyway,
what would make you howl like that? When a new vegan restaurant is opening in Kansas City.

The last good book I read was: The Man Who Quit Money.

The last show I binge watched was: Dexter and Breaking Bad at the same time.

On my days off from my diet, I splurge on:  Pizza and dark beer, but that’s every day right?

American Oak Hand Salve and Pipe
HCRB:  Alright, Louis, what is American Oak Hand Salve?

Louis McConnell Rock ClimbingLouis:  AO (American Oak) is something I created when I was climbing. My fingertips were always extremely raw and it hurt like hell to climb–as much as I was climbing. Not to mention, having my hands covered in chalk drys them out a ton.

All the commercial lotions are designed to “soften” hands.  That was never appealing to me because I wanted hard tough skin when I was slapping a tiny crimp.

I researched oils, butters, and herbs and used the best of each of those items to create AO. Fast forward a few years, my hands were taking the same abuse now from Olympic style weightlifting, instead of climbing. I revamped the recipe and saw some interest in the community and launched! [Read more…] about Meet Louis McConnell Creator Of American Oak Hand Salve

Into The Mind Of Amanda Smith and Her First Ascent of Enchiridion V8/V9

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Enchiridion V8 / V9 is the hardest established problem by a female in the state of Arkansas and has yet to be repeated.

So, what does it take to climb your hardest?  What does it take to climb a problem that has never been climbed before?

What do you think?  Is it perseverance?  Dedication?  Strength?  Long-term vision?  Luck?  Fortitude?  Grit?  What lessons can you take away from Amanda to apply to your project at the gym or the crag?

What lessons can you take away from Amanda that you can apply to something outside of climbing?

Let’s enter into the mind of Amanda Smith and find out how she made the first ascent of Enchiridion V8 / V9 in Pilot’s Knob, Arkansas.

When you start dreaming the moves of your project, it’s time to send – Amanda Smith

Enchiridion was a big project!

Chad Watkins (Amanda’s husband) showed me the line this past winter and it seemed impossible. I’ve been looking at it for two years but never thought it would go. He worked it a couple of years ago and had some complicated beta just to climb the first five feet of it. [Read more…] about Into The Mind Of Amanda Smith and Her First Ascent of Enchiridion V8/V9

Climbing Chalk Review: Friction Labs Climbing Chalk

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Friction Labs 3

CLIMBING CHALK REVIEW;  FRICTION LAB CLIMBING CHALK

Summary

Purchase some of the World’s best climbing chalk at The Friction Labs Store.

Pros:

  • Friction Labs Climbing Chalk (F.L.) does climbing chalk the right way.
  • F.L. is significantly better than the “Wal-Mart-style” cheap chalks; and a solid degree better than, what I believe was the premiere brand of chalk, Bison.
  • F.L. is stickier and lasts longer on your hands for multiple burns.
  • F.L. has the science to back up their claims.
  • F.L. has a robust website that will answer all of your questions.
  • F.L. has 3 different blends to choose from: Bam Bam, Gorilla Grip, Unicorn Dust
  • F.L. has a very convenient auto-ship service.
  • F.L. creates a relationship with their fans.
  • F.L. can be used in your regular workouts with dumbbells, kettlebells, etc.

Cons:

  • You will pay more for a quality product.
  • I don’t like the wording of their guarantee.  But I am certain that if you don’t act like a complete grocery bag, and you happen to be the 1 out of 1,000,000 people who may not like the F.L. chalk, their customer service will probably treat you right.

A Little Background on My Opinion – I Have Been a Bison Chalk Snob

I am a chalk snob in the same way that I am a beer snob.  Bud Light just doesn’t taste like anything I want to put in my mouth.  Gross!  Give me a Boulevard Tank 7 and I can taste the fruit tanginess and full flavor and the long crisp finish.  Pair that Tank 7 with any pizza and I am in Heaven.

Evolv Chalk made in China
Evolv Chalk made in China

Yeah, I’ve tried all the Wal-Mart-style cheap chalks like Metolius, Evolv, Black Diamond.  Those are just entry-level chalks.  Plain and simple.  You can burn through a brick or container of that cheap stuff in a busy weekend.  All of those are gritty and you just about have to chalk up after every single move.  You really get what you pay for with those brands…not much besides the basic idea of chalk to keep your hands dry. Continue Reading

Chris Deulen: Strong Business Owner, Strong Dad, Strong Climber

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Deulen ChillinDeulen Chillin 2

I admire Chris Deulen.  He is warm and approachable.  He is a fantastic dad.  He runs his own business in a very eco-smart manner.  And, he is one bad-ass climber.  I think he may be one of the strongest climbers in the area.  Chris takes time out of his very busy schedule, to answer some HCR: Beta questions.  Ladies and Gentlemen:  Chris Deulen…

HCRB:  How long have you been climbing?

Chris:  12+years

HCRB:  What are three things that every new climber should know about…

Chris:

  • Bouldering… 1. You can always climb harder than you think. 2. Not getting injured is a fine line to walk; educate yourself! 3. Visualize, visualize, visualize.
  • Lead climbing… 1. Triple check your set-ups. 2. Travel as much as you can. 3. Go Al-Muerte often (and don’t be afraid to scream!).
  • Climbing etiquette… 1. Learn what spray means. 2. Leave no trace. 3. Treat all people with respect and empathy.
  • Safety… 1.The longer you climb, the more serious you realize it is. 2. I’ve seen a mom hit the deck on her heals being belayed by her son. I’ve broken my ankle from improper pad placement, sprained the same ankle from running down a trail. Having a greater state of awareness will help you to live longer, and healthier. 3. In a hairy situation: breathe deeply, assess your options, learn to discern good fear from bad fear, then move!

HCRB:  What one exercise should every new climber do? Continue Reading

Horseshoe Canyan Ranch And Fountain Red: 16 Boulder Problems In 16 Minutes

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If you are on the cusp of moving from beginner boulderer up to the next level, you will enjoy this video by Adam Johnson.  You’ll see 16 problems in 16 minutes.  Adam climbs many of the classic V3, V4, and V5 problems at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch and Fountain Red – two of my favorite bouldering destinations.  You’ll also see a handful V6, V7 and V8 problems that should be on your tick list.

The only downside of the flick is some nsfw language on one of the songs.  And the only criticism I have of the flick is the camera angle on The Crescent.  The Crescent has some of the coolest body positioning for a classic V3 problem that Adam does not quite capture in the camera angle that he chose.

Enjoy 16 minutes of awesomeness!

Safe climbing to you!

Single Digit Boulders in Arkansas from adam johnson on Vimeo.