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

Hey MP Community:

We’re launching a new interview series with Black Diamond. It’s called Ask a Badass, and each month for the rest of the year one BD athlete will be hanging out in our forums to answer your questions.

We’re stoked to announce that Hazel Findlay volunteered to go first! Thanks Gummy Bear! Next Thursday (6/23/16), she'll choose the most interesting inquiries you've got and write personal replies to them. Just add your questions to this forum thread, and she'll choose a handful to answer.

Plus you could win stuff! Black Diamond has set aside a Creek 35 pack and a Positron Quickpack, and Hazel will award them to the folks who post her three favorite questions in this forum thread.

We did this with Tommy Caldwell earlier this spring, and he set some guidelines which apply here, too: "Ask me the most engaging, thought-provoking question you can think of. Note that I did not say weirdest question!" 

So, what burning questions do you have for Hazel? The mental game? Her favorite day in Yosemite? What climbing partners she loves best? Crack or friction tips?

Okay GO!

Dear Hazel,

I have always been curious about women's experience with the climbing community. Just judging from this forum, it appears that sexist comments and jokes are the norm, but maybe forums are worse than real life. They tend to be generally I guess, but I've also seen things at the gym and crags that make me cringe.

So my question is, have you experienced sexism in the climbing community and how have you dealt with it? Is it getting better or worse?

All the best,
Mason

Is your nickname really gummy bear? What's the story behind that?

Hazel,

What's your most memorable climb?

P.S. Hope the shoulder rehabilitation goes well

1. Having now climbed all over the world, do you find that ethics in say, Yosemite, are much different in the UK? i.e. no damage to the rock/area, leaving fixed gear etc?

2. Do you have much interest in exploration climbing. Not just travel climbing, like you already have done, but remote towers and obscure wilderness ascents?

3. Now that you have learned to climb crack (after flailing on your first few Yosemite cracks), what are favorite climbing styles and types of rock to climb on? That is, is the Yosemite granite as addicting to you as it is to so many others?

Oye hazel, any advice for injury rehab especially major finger injures that would need surgery? (don't dyno into a full crimp position)

Can you describe the moment when you knew you would free climb El Capitan? What did it feel like to top out on Golden Gate?

My apologies if these are considered direct questions.

1 ) How has your injury and rehab changed your outlook on climbing? Are you pushed
(personally or professionally) to achieve previous performance levels or do you now simply truly appreciate that you have the ability to climb once again?

2) Do you get to climb for yourself? Or are you directed and enticed towards specific objectives that will lead to a mutual benefit for a company or sponsor.

3) Why is pushing yourself so important? And who is it most important to?

Most of the international comp climbers tend to be sport climbers or boulderers, yet you are unique in that you climb a lot of trad. Do you feel this gives you a unique perspective on indoor climbing comp routes? What advantages/disadvantages does being a trad climber bring to your comp career, and your comp training to your climbing on gear? How do you balance training for such radically different styles of climbing?

Hazel,

Do you have any general 'words of wisdom' that you tend to follow (or try to follow), particularly something picked up from your own experiences, and would want to pass on to others?

Thanks -

Greetings!
I find it difficult to sustain energy while climbing. Sometimes food doesn't seem appetizing after getting all pumped up.
What is your preference for food and snack on a climb day?

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

Hi Hazel,

Can you tell us about an awesome climbing experience you had where no camera crews or hollywood razzmatazz was involved?

I'm guessing some spice was involved, so follow up question-- Is spice best enjoyed in privacy? Or can Hazel Findlay have fun climbing something that isn't scary? ..Hazel doesn't bumble around the laywoman's crag.. or does she?

Your energy is awesome! Spice Girl is the best Real Rock piece of all time. Best of luck in your recovery.

Hi Hazel,

I'm curious whether you would rather project something right at your limit for months on end and dedicate all you training to that specific climb and its style, or if you would rather climb much more volume, a little easier, and with differing styles? Also, what has been your most rewarding project?

Keep Crushin'!

Thanks for doing this Hazel!

With the "leave no trace" wilderness ethic, and the rise of clean aid climbing, climbers are generally pretty good at low impact recreation. Our sport takes us to the wild, and we spent more time out in the environment than the average human. On the other hand, climbers travel all over the world, and use a lot of gear. A lot of our sport can seem pretty high impact in that regard. what are your thoughts on the global environmental impact of climbing, and adventuring? Do climbers have any responsibility to confront the impact our sport has on our planet?

Thanks for taking the time to answer these question, and you are an inspiration!

Hi Hazel!

Understandably, women can be intimidated while getting into climbing, and I've seen this firsthand while climbing with my wife. She enjoys easy/moderate sport climbing, but seems intimidated to get any deeper into the sport. In general, how can guys be allies for women trying to get into climbing, and make them feel welcome in a sport that seems to be dominated by men?

You and women like you are an inspiration to so many, keep crushing it!

-Gavin

Hazel,

After climbing for almost 20 years, what are some of the most important things you know now about climbing that you wish you knew when you first started?

Hello Hazel!

I asked Tommy Caldwell this question and surprisingly didn't get a response. So I'll ask you:.

Donald Trump has just been elected President of the US. Your reaction...

#2. Describe for us your dad's influence on you as a climber.

Hazeeeeelllll!

Whaddya want your man to be like?!

As an amazing climber and a women, do you ever feel pressure to represent women in climbing? Or do you think climbing culture has evolved to the point that women are no longer patronized, or treated like the weaker sex?

Or

When ever I see climbing films from the British isles the climbers seem to be climbing with very poor protection adding a high level of perceived danger, and from my american couch I feel this type of climbing must be ingrained in British climbing culture. How do you feel that this climbing culture has effected you and your climbing career?

Hey Hazel! My question to you is...
As someone who's constantly pushing the border on difficult trad climbing, which has been the sketchiest climb thus far and/or worst fall?