The beginning of university can be a stressful time for anyone. It is daunting and confusing to be suddenly surrounded by new people and to have to figure out how to live on one’s own. Even though I made friends during Orientation Week, climbing was where I ultimately found my place—as well as a sense of direction—as a young photographer in an unfamiliar city. What makes the climbing community different than most others is the feeling of camaraderie that pervades every climbing gym and outdoor crag; everyone sees your struggle and, whether you came to the wall alone or with a friend, there’s always someone climbing alongside you and supporting you through your effort. When climbing, personal differences are erased. All climbers stand on equal ground, united by the same passion. Not only did climbing provide a supportive community, but it also taught me to be comfortable with myself and to be proud of my body and what it is capable of. Through climbing, I’ve made friends and memories that will last the rest of my life, and gained a sense of self-worth of which I was previously ignorant.
Cisco on “Eye Candy” – This boulder has been a project of mine for a long time and has shown me how far I’ve progressed in the sport. I watched a friend of mine work on it during my first ever trip to the Niagara Glen and remember thinking that it looked impossible.
Shot by Ilya Sarossy on 35mm Porta 400
Noah on “Sepukku” – Another boulder I thought looked impossible until recently; now Noah makes it almost look easy.
Shot by Ilya Sarossy on 35mm Porta 400
Noah and two other friends I’ve made through climbing, both of whom live in Richmond, Virginia, from our first trip to the New River Gorge.
Shot by Cisco Juanes on 35mm Kodak 400TX
Cisco on “Ruth’s Roof” – This boulder was a massive landmark for me and motivated me to begin training more seriously.
Shot by Noah Walker
Noah on “Chesticles” – A very difficult boulder problem in the New River Gorge in West Virginia.
Shot by Cisco Juanes
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