Hi Josh. It's now a real pleasure to talk with the Organic Bouldering Mats's owner.  Welcome in our interview's section

What model and brand was your 1st climbing shoes?
Five Ten Summits in 1990

What is the best place in the world for bouldering?
To me the best place is where I have the most fun and friends, this changes weekly : )

In how manies country did you go to climb?
As many as I can, climbing is not only about the climbing but also the culture and it is very cool how the climbing culture crossed borders.

Where and why did you start climbing?
I had a cliff on my parents property when I was growing up and it all started there when I was very young.

Have you ever take part of Climbing World Cup?
No.

What do you think about bouldering as sport in Olympic Games?
I think it would be very nice for our sport to get mainstream exposure through expose in the Olympics.

Do you often climb in gym?
3 times per week

Did you ever trained for a specific project?
Yes

Who do you admire?
Rich Gotlieb owner of Rock and Snow in new paltz NY, and the many other climbers who have stated great climbing businesses that give back to our sport.

What was the last book you read?
Wow it has been awhile since I had the time to read a book, it is sad : )

What music do you listen?
I really like Hip Hop, and most rock music and I also have a soft spot for pop rock.

What do you think about solo climbing?
It scared me but I have much respect for those who can keep their head together enough to do it.

What is a highball for you?
At what height it begins to be a highball? I feel that it all depends on the landing zone and the quality of your spotters. I have seen people fall from 20 plus feet with good landing and spotters and walk away laughing yet people fall and get hurt from 3’ in a gym.

Was your progression fast or does it takes years?
It has taken many many many years : )

Did you take part of a specific training to help your progression?
I feel that training the core is the best training for hard climbing.

What do you like to eat?
I really like to eat good baked goods like bread, muffins etc, and I have a real soft spot for Thai food good and spicy!

What is your best meal in a crag?
Peanuts and a good tea.

Do you plan to climb all your life?
YES!

Like Sharma, Nicole and Lamiche, would you like to design a climbing shoe?
I have some innovative ideas I would like to share for sure!

Have you ever shape holds?
Yes for many climbing companies.

What is the "bad-ass" place to climb?
I really like climbing in under the radar new areas, I enjoy Vedauwoo, Minnesota bouldering, some newer areas in Colorado, Soill, and many areas on the east coast.

What is the best development in climbing history?
Good climbing shoes!

What item you don't want to forget to put in your bag before living to the crag?
My dog Barnaby

What is the best climbing DVD?
One of my all time favourites is the old Big up bouldering in the Gunks by Josh Lowell

 

Cookies or chips?
Cookies

Beer or wine?
Beer

Do you consider yourself as a pro climber?
No I am now a climbing business owner

What is your graduation status?
Graduated College degree in History and Photography

Crimps, slopes or pinch?
Pinches!

Describe a memorable moment in you climbing experience.
When I first moved to Wyoming spending gorgeous evenings with my wife Liz establishing new boulder problems at Vedauwoo

What else than climbing do you like to do?
I do a lot of product design for my company organic climbing.

Before to become a business man, you did what?

 

I was climbing Full time as a sponsored climber shaping hand holds for Metolius, Nicros, groperz, Zealot and many others to make money. I also did some design work for some other companies for crash pads

Why you decide to create your own business and make crash pad? You don't like what you can found in store at this time?

No crash pad met the needs we (my wife and me) had for durability and safety.

Why is so important for you to use 100% of local materials?

In 2009 isn't usual, but it's all in your honour. Because the MADE IN USA or CANADA fabrics are the best quality, the imports from ASIA are made to look like the good stuff but they are not same quality.

How many employees do you have?

4 and a dog

How long do you need to make a Big Pad?

2-3 weeks for custom about 1 week for a standard pad, this will be much faster even when we finish sewing a big order for Europe.

At this moment, you sale you pads in USA, Japan and France, right?

Do you sale in others countries? Where do you want to sale soon? We have a new Distributer in Norway who will be selling the pads in Europe. I am working to get our pads into Canada to save on shipping for the customer as well as into Australia because we cannot ship there without shipping freight.

Any advises or suggestions?
Have fun with climbing.  It can teach you a lot about life, climbing will be a lifetime sport for many.  I did is enjoyable in many aspects as you progress through life.

Organic Bouldering Mats is a little compagny but doing big things.  See this sponsors climbers list:

Andy Salo
Paul Jung
Tim Keenan
Kasia Pietries
Jimmy Web
Phil Schall
Angie Payne
Courthey hempil
Randy Puro
Beth Rodden
Michael Bauista
Nic Oklobzija
Jeff Silcox
Christine Pilo
Ryan Olson
Daniel Woods
Paul Robinson
Andre Di Felice
James Webb
Jamie Emerson
Brion Voges
Alex Johnson
Paul Barazza
Lyn verinsky
Kelly Mcbride
Sarah Marvez
Steph Marvez
Flannery shay nemirow

 

Site officiel d'Organic

Photo: Courtoisie Chuck Fryberger