Ask Hazel Findlay // Win a Black Diamond Creek 35 and Positron Quickpack

dear Hazel,
I have a shoulder injury and dislocate when I try hard moves that put too much stress on the joint. I feel like it holds me back from reaching my peak potential. As someone with a shoulder injury how do you still climb hard? Are there routes you just don't do because they put you at risk?
Sincerely,
Will Wild

Hi Hazel,

I've been recently getting into trad climbing, and find that it forces me to have more commitment to the climb, which has been great to build my mental game.

Have you ever had a time on a high-risk trad climb that you made a judgment call and bailed because of the danger?

Hi Hazel!

I would love to hear your answer to the following..
With the explosive growth of climbing gyms, increased accessibility to outdoor crags, and public fascination with the extreme, what would be your advice to future generations of young climbers?

Best,
Kevin

Do you enjoy climbing rock?

Hi Hazel,

Can you tell us about your best mentors, and your thoughts on mentorship in the climbing community. Do you have anyone you consider your mentee?

Cheers.

Do you have any big goals coming up in the future in Yosemite?? Did you always want to become a climber??

Hi Hazel! As a global climber, what do you believe are three things every climber around the world should practice to protect access to crags and alpine destinations? Thanks for reviewing our questions!

-Ben

Ever thought of participating in the HCR 24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell? What would be your team name?

Hi, Hazel
aside from the monetary support, do you ever wish that you were just a no-name climber? do you feel that media and expectations from sponsors are a nuisance, or does it drive you in a way?
Thanks!

What role does pain play in your climbing experience?

-Nick

Dear Hazel,

1 - How much do you enjoy going through 5 pages of repetitive questions?
2 - Would you rather be climbing?

Best regards,

P.S. u rock!

Sam Stephens wrote:Hazel, Are American guys, European guys, or British guys worse when it comes trying to flex, show off their guns, and act like general jerks trying to pick up women climbers at the crag? Sincerely

Some times when i look one of your sends. you remind me of Martha.

Can I call you Martha?

What are the best books you've ever read, whether they're about climbing or old men and the sea, or the existential dilemma? If you don't have a "favorites" list, what's on your reading list?

How has growing up and climbing in the UK affected the way you climb internationally not necessarily climbing ethic but the style you climb elsewhere. where is you favorite place to climb. And what place
Do you feel is maybe is your least favorite or most difficult in the style you climb/ frustrating/whatever any location you hate for personal reasons

What's gooder, ice climbin or big walls?

Hi Hazel,

I know you have spent a lot of time soul searching, and that during your injury recovery you have had to spend a lot of time without climbing. I'm wondering how your relationship to rock climbing has changed since your shoulder injury? Do you still climb for the same reasons? Or has your perspective on your climbing changed!?

Thank You,

Tom

Hey Hazel!
Who are you without climbing? Consider this, has climbing impacted who you are as a person? If you never found climbing, would you be someone else? On the other hand if you were unable to climb for the rest of your life, what kind of a person would you be?

Best,
Albert

Hi Hazel, having watched many videos of your climbing, I am always struck by your calm demeanor. As climbers, we all know that staying calm and focused when the climbing gets difficult is critical. What's your secret to seeming so chilled out in the crux of a run-out 5.12? While you clearly have many great achievements as a climber, your ability to climb hard scary routes without seeming scared is, to me, the most astounding. Here's to a speedy recovery and back to full power! Cheers, Fred

I have two kids that I drag climbing everyweekend. For Now they are happy with army men and snacks. I do put them on the rock every now and again but they loose interest quickly. Might you have any words of wisdom to keep their little flames alive for climbing?