Friendliest Pro climbers?

Kai Lightner. Ended up having dinner with him at The Hostel California in Bishop.

But what pro climbers are not friendly?? Seems like everyone is pretty chill. Maybe people from Europe? lol

Michael Cwrote:

Kai Lightner. Ended up having dinner with him at The Hostel California in Bishop.

But what pro climbers are not friendly?? Seems like everyone is pretty chill. Maybe people from Europe? lol

Jorgensen is a dick.

Tradibanwrote:

Jorgensen is a dick.

Takes one to know one

alpinist 47wrote:

Takes one to know one

That’s “Mr Dick” to you, sir!

Tradibanwrote:

Jorgensen is a dick.

I have no idea if you're joking.

Jim Uwrote:

she was knee deep in his ass for typical teenager stuff.  we looked at the staff behind the desk and where like "been on both side on the coin" lol

Aww haha, I suppose that makes sense. I love how he's spoken out on social and I can also see how his mom would be protective or a worrier with his story. 

Sam D DM me if you don't mind sharing your unfriendliest pro climber story    

Also agree on Dan Beall being awesome. His perspective inspired me more than any actual climb did when I saw him in Reel Rock. Seriously, I don't remember many of the climbs but I remember what he said when him and Daniel Woods were neck and neck on that highball project of his in the Buttermilks. Keeps me stoked about climbing in groups and watching friends succeed, treating all climbing (even bouldering) as a team sport.

Peter Croft ( I did Cardinal Pinnacle with him in a professional capacity) is the quintessential ambassador of North American climbing in every respect. 

Obviously this question is kind of pointless, but I have some time to kill and I'm interested in hearing the community's thoughts. From what I've seen, it seems like Cedar Wright would be a really kind and easygoing guy to hang out with. The Sufferfest videos and the whole Boogie Til You Poop incident made him look extremely chill and funny https://100001.onl/ .

I’ve met my share of pros and legends. Two of the encounters that stands out most were bouldering with Peter Croft and John Gill at the Happy Boulders in Bishop; and bouldering with Tommy and TM Herbert in the Valley.

Ron Kauk, forsho'

Tradibanwrote:

Jorgensen is a dick.

I bet more people say that about you than him.  In fairness, I haven't met the guy, or you, so this is just conjecture.

Ran into James Pearson and wife Caroline Ciavaldini a few years ago at the New, and he was very friendly and accommodating with regard to people like me gushing over his presence.  Very laid back and genuinely happy to be climbing there.

KJ is only a dick to people who continue to mis-spell or mis-pronounce his last name.

In reality he IS a really nice person.

To contribute, I'll add Doug Robinson.  

Jake Joneswrote:

I bet more people say that about you than him.  In fairness, I haven't met the guy, or you, so this is just conjecture.

Don’t flatter yourself, I say that about me too.

My take away from KJ is that he’s too cool for school, nawmean? Pretty much the only “Pro” that gave me that vibe over the years.

My fav “Pro” is Fred Nicole. Could have just been the accent though. Oolala!

imran katelawrote:

From what I've seen, it seems like Cedar Wright would be a really kind and easygoing guy to hang out with. 

Worked a problem with him at Movement Boulder once. He was super hilarious and chill!

When I was 20ish I ran into Jesse Huey in Eldo. He was climbing the Bastille as I was rappelling off of march of dimes. I shouted over to him "Hey! you look like Jesse Huey." He laughed and responded "Yeah, that's me dude." I proceeded to tell him how cool I thought he was because he's climbed The Real Big Drip and Slovak Direct. He just laughed and climbed off. I ran into him years later in Vail and he remembered that story.

So yeah, Jesse Huey. 

Tradibanwrote:

Jorgensen is a dick.

For real KJ has a heart of gold. He may not be as bubbly and outgoing as other pros you have met, but he is genuine and considerate. Superficial kindness, fake smiles and the like can be used to further ones fame and career. Its always seemed like KJ didnt care to put on a "face" and as a result seems more standoffish. Hes treated all of my friends with nothing but kindness, and has helped me out of tough spots completely unsolicited. When I was stuck with vehicle issues in the Nevada Desert, a suprise Venmo from Kj ensured i could eat and finish repairing the rig. The guy truely looks out for the monkeys and cares deeply about the community. 

I vended at a local bouldering comp for a few years where the competitors got free meals, so we crossed paths with most of the pros coming in to climb.  Drew Ruana was the nicest/politest that I remember; though most of them were pretty nice and grateful, and only carried themselves with a bit too much ego. 

Ashima was super accommodating to my 6yr old when he spotted her at the gym and wanted to talk to her.  I wouldn't say friendly, necessarily, but I think she's mostly just really shy and wants to avoid attention, which made her interaction at the gym very nice. 

Never met them, but Ethan Pringle, Sonnie Trotter, Brittany Goris and Mason Earle seem like people I would enjoy hanging out with. 

The reason this thread is so dumb is that it’s entirely based on tiny anecdotes. Who knows if any “Pro” you or I met is actually nice/dick or if they were simply having a good/bad day. Or perhaps they were just putting on their game face as the noobs asked them to sign their boobs.

People are mostly “people” and their genuine mood/friendlyness varies with the wind. Just treat any celeb Pro you meet the same as you would treat anyone else and you will probably get their normal selves instead of whatever version they think you want to see.

Godspeed.

Tradibanwrote:

The reason this thread is so dumb is that it’s entirely based on tiny anecdotes.

You don't have to participate in something you think is dumb.  Perhaps anecdotes and learning about others' experiences is precisely the point of the OP.  And let's be honest, we've seen WAY dumber.

KJ is only a dick to people who continue to mis-spell or mis-pronounce his last name.

You mean Kevin Juggerson?