Helping Everyone Climb

Meet Owen!

Our newest staff may be new to climbing, but he definitely not short on psych!!! He’s learning fast and just might be the next to send your project!💪 He stumbled upon the gym, got addicted to the sport, and now can’t keep himself away! Owen is all about keeping that positive and welcoming vibe here at Climb Nittany and we’re lucky to have him on board!

When, where, and how did you start climbing?
I started climbing in January when the gym re-opened because I wanted somewhere to get my mind off of school and had heard about it over the summer. I absolutely loved the atmosphere and everyone has been so welcoming and kind, and I’ve been stoked to come back every time.

Where is your dream climbing destination?
My dream climbing destination is Namaste Wall in Zion National Park in Utah. It’s a very aesthetic looking climb that would be sweet for a tour of outdoor climbs through the country.

What’s your favorite style of climbing?
My favorite style of climbing is bouldering, because of the problem solving. Especially now, being able to move into harder problems, the problem solving aspect becomes huge and I love being able to discover my own ways to do routes.
#newestcrusher #climbstrong #goodvibes ...

Meet Jake!

You can get lost in conversation with this guy for hours!⏳Sure, he’s knowledgeable about climbing, but have you delved into philosophy, psychology, music, or the cosmos with him?!? Don’t even get him started on finger puppets! We’re more than psyched to have this multitalented fella along side us here at the gym. Here’s some other fun stuff you may not know about him…

How did you start climbing?

I started climbing about two years ago when I came to University Park from the Penn State Scranton campus. I stumbled into the climbing community there and have yet to stumble out.

What is your favorite climbing style?
My favorite style of climbing is sport climbing. It has the long, almost dance-like grace of top rope with the heightened threat of falling. It makes it super fulfilling when you finish a route, and taking a whipper is fun now and again.

Any hidden talents?
I can make many different noises, ranging from R2-D2 and Chewbacca to Mongolian throat singing.

#staffspotlight #longhairdontcare #r2d2v2 ...

Meet Kenny!

Kenny’s another great addition to our route setters, and he’s also an Electrical Engineer! ⚡️👷🏻‍♂️

When Kenny’s not at the gym, You can find him drinking coffee, hanging with his dog Red, and fixing up and building out his school bus! 🚌

As a climber he’s described as smooth, thoughtful, and methodical, and this definitely describes his setting style around the gym!

Where is your dream climbing destination? 
My dream climbing destination, or route in this case, is Squawstruck in Rock Canyon, Utah.  This 22 pitch behemoth is one of the few places to go “sportaneering” in the US.  Looks super fun, very sustained, and has high adventure appeal without the fear of placing gear…hopefully the bolts aren’t rusted out.

What’s your favorite style of climbing? 
My favorite style of climbing is sustained technical routes.  Routes like this is where everything matters.  Strength, conditioning, failure-free mindset, and excellent body positioning.  Hopefully I’ll have all of those one day =).

How do you take your coffee? 
It can be out of a can.  It can be old.  It can be Folgers.  It can be fresh.  It can be evocative.  It can be egregious.  I like to try as many ways as I can to consume coffee and coffee flavored liquids.  Currently:  Single shot espressos enjoyed slowly.

#climbnittany #routesettersrock #coffeeislife ...

Meet Kate!

Another local setter to add to the crew and a damn good one at that! Kate may be new to the routesetting craft, but she has a natural ability and is developing her style nicely; pumping out a variety of quality boulders and routes. Climbing is just one of her multiple outdoor lifestyle passions. Not to mention she’s getting her PhD in Geochemistry, studying groundwater to make sure waste is properly treated before hitting the ocean.♻️🌊

Welcome to the crew, Kate! Make sure to say hi next time you see her slinging up some fun, fresh routes for us to enjoy.👋

Where is your dream climbing destination?
Tonsai Beach in Thailand! I lived an hour away last year but didn't know how to lead at the time. I'd love to go back and try some multi-pitch routes with the local guides.

When we assign staff Wrestlemania style theme songs, what will yours be?
Long Legged Larry. I'm neither tall nor amphibious, but it's still a great tune.

What professional climber do you admire the most?
Cedar Wright's dog @AllTerrainPug. RIP to a true legend 🙏

#supportyourlocalroutesetter #sendtherainbow #climbnittanycrew ...