Interview with Ben Baker: Adirondack Climber

Ben Baker was born and raised just south of the Adirondack State Park border but grew up exploring the forests and lakes of this protected land. During college, he started bouldering with friends at a tiny gym in western New York. When he returned to his hometown after graduating, Ben immediately started searching for a new climbing gym. He wanted to build local connections and develop new skills but he found himself doing much more. Ben learned to set indoor routes, coach youth after-school programs, and lead both inside and outside climbs. Now Ben spends most of his free time climbing, training for climbing, or teaching climbing. Solidified in his climber identity and skillset, he can confidently take on the ragged granite that creates so many of our mountains and cliffs. We bundled up for a walk with Ben to hear more about his experiences in the Adirondack climbing community.

Lily + Aaron: When you decided to start climbing, how did you get into it, and what kind of resources did you use?

Ben:  I started climbing because I dated someone my senior year of college who was a lifelong climber. I was pretty immediately hooked. I consumed basically all the media that I could on YouTube. I also asked a lot of questions.

Lily + Aaron: How would you describe the climbing scene in the Adirondacks? What is the community like?

Ben: The Adirondack climbing scene is somewhat unique in that it's such a large area with so many places to climb. So while it may seem like you couldn't possibly run into that many people, you often bump into the same people all around the Adirondacks. I think the community can be hard to break into if you're mostly climbing outside. People are friendly but not always looking to make friends at the crag. However climbing gyms are filled with friendly people.

Lily + Aaron: What’s the most challenging climb you've attempted so far and did you make it to the top?

Ben: The climb that I eventually succeeded in climbing that gave me the greatest challenge was a climb called Coitus at the Snowy Mountain Boulders. I had a pretty huge mental block. I had failed the boulder so many times, it was extremely difficult for me to envision myself ever sending it. I spent a long time trying without really believing it was going to happen. I spent 3 summers trying it. I did eventually send it rather unexpectedly. I found that climbing other things and expanding my repertoire helped me. I return to it one day after not trying for almost year and sent it pretty quickly.

Lily + Aaron: Are there any unique features in the Adirondacks that make climbing here special?

Ben: The Adirondacks are special to me because I grew up trail running, camping, and hiking here. Climbing has been an awesome fun way to experience similar areas in a new way. I think what’s fun about the Adirondacks is that there are many different crags with a variety of climbing styles. If I want to do endless slab there is plenty of that, same with steep bouldering or sport crags with beautiful views.

Lily + Aaron: Do you have a pre-climb ritual or a good luck charm you always take with you?

Ben: I'm not a lucky charm guy but while I'm climbing I talk through what I'm doing, often poking fun at myself and what a ridiculous sport rock climbing is.

Lily + Aaron: How do you handle the mental side of climbing, especially on tougher routes?

Ben: I'm very competitive with myself so it took me a long time to figure out how to best balance my mental game. I stay very much focused on enjoying the privilege of being outside, enjoying time with friends and trying to make myself a better climber each time I'm on the wall. When I find myself really struggling on a tough route I definitely just channel the "embrace the suck" mentality and try and make it happen.

Thanks for reading, catch you next month!

Love,

Lily and Aaron