GB Climbing Team Member and former European Youth Bouldering Champion
Thank you to Aidan for letting us interview him at the Battle of Britain 2018 at The Depot Manchester.
Who you are and what do you do?
I’ve been climbing for about 7 years. I’m mainly a boulderer. I kind of mix up competition climbing and climbing outside, I really enjoy both and try and get a healthy balance.
What was your first climbing experience?
Growing up I lived in the Lake District. I was very active; I climbed a lot of trees, but I didn’t actually get into climbing until a bit later; I was 13 and a small wall opened up in my local town, I kind of just started and enjoyed it and got pretty psyched from the word go.
How did you know that climbing was your thing?
I just really enjoyed it; I always wanted to go climbing and it felt natural.
Where is your favourite outdoor climb?
I had a trip to Rocklands in South Africa this summer with Nathan [Phillips], Tara [Hayes] and Max [Ayrton]. That was incredible; it was my best climbing trip I’ve been on.
What has been your proudest climbing moment?
In 2015 I became European Youth Bouldering Champion. It was a surprise and yeah, that was probably my proudest climbing moment.
What are your ambitions?
So I hope, next year, to carry on competing in the World Cup series. I mean, in the long run the goal is always to win a World Cup but, yeah, we’ll see how long that’ll take me.
Lead, Speed or Boulder and Why?
Boulder! I just enjoy pushing … you’re pushing yourself at the absolute limit on every single move which I find really inspiring. I’m not a massive fan of speed in that it’s always the same; the thing I like about climbing is I like the variety.
What are your most liked and hated healthy foods?
I don’t really dislike many foods. I’m vegetarian so anything meat based I don’t really do. I mean I like most healthy foods, vegetables, y’know. All good.
If not climbing, what sport would you be doing?
I don’t know really. I used to do quite a lot of running. I injured my foot in Fontainebleau a couple of years ago and can’t really do so much running any more so maybe cycling.
Give us an inspiring quote (either yours or someone else’s).
“The definition of insanity is trying the same thing over and over again expecting different results.” That was Einstein, right?
Check out his Instagram account for more information about Aidan.
