Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?

Partners are so underrated. As climbers, we often like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists, but the truth is, without a partner, climbing isn’t a whole lot of fun. Sure, you can go out and chuck solo laps on a micro traxion, but that’s like going to the movies by yourself. Sort of fun, but always feels like it’s missing something.

Partners are there to inspire you, to push you, to help you realize your potential. They are also there because YOU need someone to encourage, to help push THEM to go further than they thought they could. In fact, I probably get more psyched belaying a friend on a hard send or proud lead then I do on my own accomplishments. The greatness of others is an incredible thing to be a part of, and as partners, we get to partake in this all the time. Partners see us at our very best, and they are there for us when we hit those low lows. They believe in us, even when we don’t (or can’t) believe in ourselves.

So let’s take this day to say thank you to all the partners in our lives, the people who have held the rope in our finest moments, and during our lowest fears (like that time in Idaho I was pretty sure I was gonna die, thanks for getting me through that T!). They are the people you’ve probably made some of the most vivid memories of your life with. So give them a hug, throw a high five, blow up a fist, whatever you want, but take the time to thank them for all they do. And don’t forget, you’re someone’s partner too!

Personally, I’d like to thank the following people for all their support this year: Tracy, Bobby, Dave, Lynn, Scott, Derek, Joe, Michael, Ya, Godes, Gracyn, Sara, Brendan. You guys are the best and I can’t wait to go climbing with you all soon!