Kraftfactory Coach and co-author of Gimme Kraft
Thank you to Patrick for letting us interview him at the 2018 Youth Climbing Symposium, held at Oakwood.
Who you are and what do you do?
My name is Patrick. I’m 45 years old from Germany, working as a professor for sports science and beside that I’m a trainer for climbers. I have a family and 2 kids.
What was your first climbing experience?
My first climbing experience was in high school when a friend of mine just asked me to join him in our lovely climbing area, the Frankenjura, to go for some abseil manoeuvres. Which was quite dangerous because we had those rusty pitons, where we just rappelled down. But yeah, it was my first experience and it was kind of an adventure.
How did you know that climbing was your thing?
I guess I immediately knew it because of the outdoor experience and outdoor feeling you can get with this sport and beside that the possibility to bring in tons of creativity of movement.
Where is your favourite outdoor climb?
My favourite outdoor climb is Taipan Wall in Australia. Next one is Ceüse, France.
What has been your proudest climbing moment?
My proudest moment in climbing was topping out Serpentine, Taipan Wall, Australia.
What are your ambitions?
My ambitions are pretty much to be a lifetime, happy and healthy climber.
Lead, Speed or Boulder and Why?
Most of all I like the three disciplines. I’m not a speed climber at all but I think that speed climbing enriches the sport in a general way. But if someone were to ask me to decide and choose one of those three disciplines, my choice would definitely be boulder.
What are your most liked and hated healthy foods?
Most liked definitely beetroot. Most hated definitely sprouts.
If not climbing, what sport would you be doing?
I love all kind of sports. Beside climbing I do cross country skiing, alpine skiing, snowboarding, running, trail running, swimming, triathlon, gymnastics and a lot of things as well. Parkour sports. So, I love a lot of sports, but I love most of all, climbing.
Give us an inspiring quote (either yours or someone else’s).
“Life’s moving pretty fast, if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you can miss it”
For more information about Kraftfactory see their Instagram and Facebook pages.
Interviewed by Amber and Elisha
