Ian Maffett on Delicate Soul

CONTACT: ian [at] norope.com

I was introduced to climbing in 1998 by my Dad. Twelve years after hanging up his proverbial shoes because of a bad lead fall, not to mention the overwhelming reminder of responsibility that comes with three kids, my Dad suddenly found climbing again and became not only my teacher but also my partner. I mostly focused on "sport climbing" my first summer. Within two short years, I traveled to Rifle, Shelf Road, Red Rocks, the New, and the Gunks. But, it wasn't until my Dad and I met the final piece of what we now refer to as Three Amigos, Dan Osborne (also now my brother-in-law), that I found my calling - BOULDERING! From that moment on my focus in climbing has been Bouldering, bouldering and more bouldering.

My life has changed a bit over the last few years. The inevitable dampening of the enthusiasm that initially allowed - even forced - me to drag my beaten and battered body to the rocks everyday, combined with the rigors of completing my final semester at Millersville University, has changed my perspective on climbing a bit. But, with the changed perspective I think I have found a much greater appreciation for climbing and all that it entails. I still make every effort to head to the Gunks for a session whenever I can, and at least one week-long trip to Bishop every year. But, more often than not, I'm putting my education as a computer programmer to good use sitting behind a computer, playing games, working or surfing. Every once in a while I can be spotted climbing (but you better look fast).