Entrevue - Chris Schulte

Hi Chris,

Tell me about you and your past.
I started out wanting to be an alpine climber, but after a couple years of ice and mixed climbing, I realized it was miserable!

What model and brand was your 1st climbing shoes?
The Scarpa Lightning
What is the best place in the world for bouldering?
Font, I think!

In how many country did you go to climb?
I’ve been to climb in France, Canada (BC), Switzerland, and England.

Where and why did you start climbing?
I started in southern Colorado; it looked like a good time… Truthfully, I was a young skateboarding hippie who loved getting out into the woods and into cool places… Climbing was the most natural outlet for me.

Have you ever take part of Climbing World Cup?
Nope.. I don’t really care for plastic climbing.

What do you think about bouldering as sport in Olympic Games?
I’d watch, but, I’m not bothered either way..

Do you often climb in gym?
If I’ve had several days off, and on the last day, at the limit of my patience, it rains or snows, then, maybe! I have fun when I go to the gym, but it’s so different, it’s not really what I’m after…

Did you ever train for a specific project?
No, I can’t say I have. I don’t really train at all, I just like to go climbing! The closest I’ll get to training is toughening up my skin for granite season!

Who do you admire?
The hermit monks of ancient China…

What was the last book you read?
The last was Across the River and Into the Trees, by Hemingway.

What music do you listen?
All of it! I’m getting into classical music quite a bit, it’s very soothing, and I can get a little mentally wound up on occasion.. I like a lot of electronic music, too; I most like music that is music for it’s own sake, that doesn’t have to mean anything.

What do you think about solo climbing?
I like it occasionally, and I respect those who are able to take it to such a high level. I want to keep climbing forever, though, so I’d rather not get hurt or killed!

What is a highball for you?
At what height it begins to be a highball? Well, in RMNP in can start at only a few feet, with those landings.. But, I’d say about 20 feet things start to change upstairs..

Was your progression fast or does it takes years?
It takes many years to stack sheets of paper as tall as a skyscraper…

Did you take part of a specific training to help your progression?
Travel! Climb ,any different rock types!

What do you like to eat?
Everything. Really. I love food.

What is your best meal in a crag?
Ham and brie on baguette with strong Dijon mustard, an apple, and some chocolate to dole out through the day..

Do you plan to climb all your life?
I plan to; I hope that is the case!

After Sharma, Nicole and Lamiche, would you like to design a climbing shoe?
Uhhh, me, I guess.. I know what I want anyways!

Have you ever shape holds?
Yep, a little.. It’s kind of fun, artistic, meditational…

What is the "bad-ass" place to climb?
Rocky Mountain National Park, CO. Long approaches, bad landings, huge boulders, sudden terrible storms… Yikes. It’s great though. Just bring a coat, and you best pack a lunch!

What is the best developments in climbing history?
Sticky rubber. Or chalk.

What item you don't want to forget to put in your bag before leaving to the crag?
After the 5.10 Jet 7’s, probably a boar-bristle brush…

What is the best climbing DVD?
I like parts of all the Dosages, and several others. Right now, my favorite is The Outsider, kindof “underground” Fontainebleau footage my friend Keith Bradbury put together..

Cookies or chips?
Both.

Beer or wine?
Both!

Do you consider yourself as a pro climber?
No! Too bad for me!

What is your graduation status?
Not sure I understand what you mean.. If you mean my education, I got through high school, and did some post grad studies at the prestigious School of Hard Knocks…

Crimps, slopes or pinch?
Slopers!!!!!

Describe a memorable moment in you climbing experience.
After four trips to Font, topping out on Kheops Assis… I had a great morning, a good and short warm up, and I did the problem first try that day.. The best part was the feeling I had of calm. After the crux move, I had several balance moves left, and I enjoyed it so much… Topping out smoothly, not rushing to vault over the top and yell, just to be as present as I can and enjoy the moment of success down to the dregs! How hard do we work for these things, after all?! It’s nice to enjoy the boulders and the process an the moment, and not just clm to succeed, to celebrate.. Enjoy climbing!

What else than climbing do you like to do?
I like write a bit, and to ride bicycles… But climbing is my way and my focus…

Any advises or suggestions?
Enjoy climbing. Enjoy the process, though it is very hard sometimes to smile through your frustration! Listen to your body, when you can…
Decide how much you want to give for climbing!
Have fun!

For more informations about Mr. Schulte, visit www.Bloclist.com