Olympian Brooke Raboutou's Enviable Climbing Origins || Climbing Gold Podcast With Alex Honnold

Summary

In this interview, professional rock climber Brooke Raboutou shares her lifelong journey with climbing, starting from her earliest memories at the age of two with her parents, who were also professional climbers. She reflects on her experiences growing up climbing both outdoors in France and Europe during summers and indoors in Boulder, Colorado, during winters. Brooke recalls her first lead climb, her first 5.13a, and her first 5.14a, as well as the camaraderie she felt with her climbing friends and the tragic loss of her peer, Tito Traversa.

Takeaways

• 🧗‍♀️ Brooke Raboutou is a professional rock climber based in Boulder, Colorado.
• 👶 She has been climbing since the age of two, influenced by her parents who were also professional climbers.
• 🏞 Brooke has fond memories of climbing outdoors in France during her childhood summers.
• 📸 She recalls climbing experiences from a young age, often reinforced by family photos.
• 🔝 Her first lead climb was on a route called Flying in Anglars in Saint-Antonin, France.
• 🎓 Brooke achieved her first 5.13a climb, Octopus, in Le Gorges du Tarn, France, while wearing a bathing suit.
• 🤝 She shares a milestone with Tito [Claudio Traversa], as they both sent their first 5.14a on the same day.
• 🏆 Brooke's climbing journey includes both indoor and outdoor experiences, with a balance between competition and personal enjoyment.
• 🏡 Indoor climbing was a part of her life from an early age, participating in competitions with ABC at the BRC.
• 🤝 She fondly remembers climbing with friends who were also strong competitors, creating a supportive and fun environment.
• 🌍 Brooke's climbing experiences have been shaped by both her family's influence and her own dedication to the sport.

Q & A

Who is the main subject of the interview in the script?

The main subject of the interview is Brooke Raboutou, a professional rock climber based out of Boulder, Colorado.

How old is Brooke Raboutou and how long has she been climbing?

Brooke Raboutou is 23 years old and she has been climbing since she was around two years old.

What is the significance of climbing in France and Europe during the summers for Brooke?

The summers spent outdoors climbing in France and Europe were significant for Brooke as it was part of her formative climbing experiences and a time for traveling and exploring different climbing locations.

What was Brooke's first lead climb and how old was she when she did it?

Brooke's first lead climb was a route called Flying in Anglars, and she was probably around six years old when she did it.

Can you describe a memorable milestone in Brooke's climbing career?

A memorable milestone in Brooke's climbing career was her first 5.13a climb, Octopus, in Le Gorges du Tarn, France, which she completed wearing a bathing suit.

What was the name of the climb and the location where Brooke completed her first 5.14a?

Brooke completed her first 5.14a climb named God's Own Stone in the Red River Gorge.

Who was the other young climber that achieved a similar milestone on the same day as Brooke?

The other young climber was Tito [Claudio Traversa], who also sent his first 5.14a on the same day as Brooke.

How did Brooke start with indoor climbing and what was the significance of ABC and BRC?

Brooke started indoor climbing as part of her life from a young age, with ABC (American Bouldering Competitions) being a significant part of her indoor climbing experience, and BRC (Boulder Rock Club) being the location where she practiced and competed.

What was the contrast between indoor and outdoor climbing experiences for Brooke?

For Brooke, the contrast between indoor and outdoor climbing was part of her balanced climbing life, with indoor climbing during the winter in Boulder and outdoor climbing during the summers in France and Europe.

What was Brooke's first impression of climbing competitions and how did she feel about them?

Brooke's first impression of climbing competitions was positive, as she enjoyed the experience of climbing with her friends who were also strong competitors, and she remembered having a good time more than the specific moments of the competitions.

How did climbing with her family influence Brooke's climbing journey?

Climbing with her family, who were also professional climbers, had a significant influence on Brooke's climbing journey, as it was an integral part of her life from a very young age and contributed to her early climbing experiences and skills development.

Outlines

00:00

🧗‍♀️ Brooke Raboutou's Climbing Journey

Brooke Raboutou, a professional rock climber from Boulder, Colorado, shares her lifelong passion for climbing. Born into a family of professional climbers, she has been climbing since the tender age of two. Her fondest memories are of climbing outdoors in France during summers, often near her family's home. She recalls her first lead climb at a young age in Anglars, Saint-Antonin, and her first 5.13a climb in Le Gorges du Tarn. Brooke also fondly remembers achieving her first 5.14a at the Red River Gorge, which was a significant milestone for her. The narrative is interspersed with reflections on her early childhood climbing experiences, which she associates with family photos and formative memories, as well as the tragic loss of a fellow young climber, Tito Claudio Traversa.

05:00

🏞️ Brooke's Indoor and Outdoor Climbing Experiences

Brooke Raboutou discusses the contrast between indoor and outdoor climbing, highlighting her unique experiences with both. During the winter months, she would be in Boulder, attending school and participating in competitions with the American Bouldering Competitions (ABC). In contrast, her summers were spent traveling and climbing outdoors across Europe. She reminisces about her early days at the BRC, where she competed and climbed with friends who were also strong competitors. Brooke emphasizes the joy of climbing with her peers and the community aspect of the sport, rather than focusing solely on individual achievements or specific moments.

Keywords

💡Climbing

Climbing is the activity of ascending a vertical or inclined surface, typically done for recreation, sport, or as a means of accessing otherwise inaccessible locations. In the context of the video, climbing is the central theme as the interviewee, Brooke Raboutou, discusses her experiences and milestones in both indoor and outdoor climbing. The script mentions her first lead climb and her progression in climbing difficulty, illustrating her passion and skill development.

💡Professional Climber

A professional climber is an individual who engages in climbing as a full-time occupation, often participating in competitions and being sponsored by brands. Brooke Raboutou identifies herself as a professional rock climber, emphasizing her dedication to the sport and her career path, which is a significant aspect of the video's narrative.

💡Indoor Climbing

Indoor climbing refers to the practice of climbing on artificial structures, typically found in climbing gyms. It allows climbers to train and practice year-round, regardless of weather conditions. Brooke mentions her experiences with indoor climbing during winters in Boulder, Colorado, and how it complements her outdoor climbing adventures.

💡Outdoor Climbing

Outdoor climbing is the act of climbing natural rock formations or mountains, often in more remote and scenic locations. The script highlights Brooke's outdoor climbing experiences in France and Europe during summers, which contrasts with her indoor climbing and showcases the diversity of her climbing background.

💡Lead Climb

A lead climb is a style of climbing where the climber places their own protection as they ascend the route. It is considered more advanced and requires greater skill and commitment. Brooke recalls her first lead climb on a route called Flying in Anglars, which signifies a pivotal moment in her climbing journey.

💡Top Rope

Top rope climbing is a style where the climber is secured to a rope that is already anchored at the top of the route, allowing for a safer ascent. Brooke mentions having done the route Flying in Anglars on top rope before she lead climbed it, indicating her progression in climbing proficiency.

💡Climbing Grades

Climbing grades are a system used to classify the difficulty of climbing routes. They vary by country but commonly include grades such as 5.13a or 7c+. Brooke discusses her first climbs at various grades, such as her first 5.13a (7c+) in Le Gorges du Tarn, France, which demonstrates her climbing achievements.

💡Competitions

Climbing competitions are organized events where climbers compete against each other to solve climbing routes within a set time frame. Brooke mentions participating in competitions with ABC (American Bouldering Competitions), which is part of her development as a professional climber.

💡Milestone

A milestone refers to a significant event or achievement that marks a new stage in development. The script discusses several of Brooke's climbing milestones, such as her first lead climb and her first 5.14a climb, which are key moments in her climbing career.

💡Project

In climbing, a project refers to a route or bouldering problem that a climber is working to complete, often requiring multiple attempts and focused practice. Brooke describes her first 5.14a climb as her first 'real project,' indicating the dedication and effort she put into achieving this goal.

💡Climbing Community

The climbing community consists of climbers, coaches, and enthusiasts who share a common interest in the sport. Brooke recalls climbing with friends who were also strong climbers and competitors, highlighting the supportive and social aspect of the climbing community.

Highlights

Brooke Raboutou's early climbing experiences began as young as two years old, influenced by her parents who were both professional climbers.

She has fond memories of climbing in France during her childhood summers, which were instrumental in her climbing education.

Brooke's first lead climb was on 'Flying' at Anglars in Saint-Antonin, France, marking a significant milestone in her climbing journey.

Her first 5.13a climb, 'Octopus' in Le Gorges du Tarn, was achieved wearing a bathing suit, showcasing her spontaneous and passionate approach to climbing.

At a young age, Brooke was already pushing boundaries, climbing 5.14a routes like 'God's Own Stone' in the Red River Gorge.

She shares the distinction of being one of the youngest to climb 5.14a routes with Tito [Claudio Traversa], who tragically passed away in an accident.

Brooke's climbing career has been a blend of both indoor and outdoor experiences, with a balance between competition and personal exploration.

She recalls the camaraderie and friendly competition among her peers at the ABC climbing competitions in Boulder.

Brooke's earliest climbing memories include climbing on a small wall in her basement, which later served as a functional piece in her brother's room.

Her family's home in Boulder had a climbing wall that played a role in her early development as a climber.

Brooke's climbing milestones are intertwined with her personal growth, as she often cannot distinguish between actual memories and those reinforced by family photos.

She emphasizes the importance of both indoor and outdoor climbing in her development, highlighting the unique lessons and experiences each setting offers.

Brooke's climbing achievements are a testament to her dedication and the supportive environment fostered by her family and climbing community.

Her recollections are a mix of personal anecdotes and significant climbing accomplishments, providing insight into her journey as a professional climber.

The interview reveals Brooke's humble beginnings and her progression to becoming a professional rock climber based in Boulder, Colorado.

The contrast between her outdoor and indoor climbing experiences highlights the comprehensive skill set she has developed over the years.

Transcripts

You're someone who grew up climbing outdoors basically and climbing indoors.

Both. Yeah, exactly.

So talk about the the contrast between them

or what it meant to you to kind of learn both.

All of the summers I'd spend outdoors in France and Europe, traveling.

This is Climbing Gold.

So, you want to start off, just give us, your name and bio.

Just, who are you?

Yeah. I'm Brooke Raboutou.

I'm a professional rock climber based out of Boulder, Colorado.

How old are you?

I'm 23 years old.

And how long have you been climbing?

I've been climbing pretty much since I was, like, two years old.

Both my parents were professional climbers, so pretty much my whole life.

Nice.

Do you, yeah, do you remember starting climbing?

I don't remember, like, when I was two actually starting.

But I do have, like, fond memories of climbing in France,

outdoors near, like where my family lives out there.

Doing my first, like, top ropes and lead climbs and,

I was in, like, diapers and stuff.

I don't know if I really remember it or if I’ve just seen pictures and stuff, but

it feels like a memory.

That’s actually how I am with a lot of childhood memories

where we had pictures on the wall growing up.

So, you know, I remember because I actually also had a formative

childhood memory of climbing in France when I was maybe six or something, like a,

I don't know, maybe eight, like a family friend took me up a big spire.

And I think it was before I technically, or maybe I just started climbing

those things.

I don't even totally remember it,

but I just remember seeing the photos my entire life, so I sort of remember it.

Yeah. Yeah.

Same thing with, like, in my basement here in Boulder at our house.

Like we had this, like, little wall.

that was I mean, like, probably three feet high with, like,

five holds on it, and I there's a picture of me climbing on that.

And I do kind of remember that because later we put it in my brother's room

so he could climb up to the loft, like put it to the, to the wall.

So those are kind of some of my earliest memories, I'd say.

For someone who's been climbing literally their entire life,

what do you remember about learning how to climb?

You know,

because there must have still been some milestones where you're like,

oh, that was the first time I got really scared climbing or the first time.

Yeah, my first, like lead climb, I remember, which was this

climb called Flying in Anglars this cliff Anglars in

Saint-Antonin, which is where our house is in France, or was.

And it's

like, I mean, I think today I could maybe do it no hands.

Like, not actually, but it's like scrambling more than climbing.

And I had done it many times on top rope, and I, I remember lead

climbing that and like, I was like, woah, that's a big that's a big moment for me.

And I don't even know how old I was.

I was probably like six or something.

Any other climbing milestones that you remember?

Let's see.

I mean, because I remember all the random news things where,

you know, you and your family members were like,

I don't know, like 8a.nu always had news flashes of, like, you know, 11 year

old sending 8c or whatever. Like, I don't remember the exact numbers.

Yeah, I'd say I mean, I remember most of those. Yeah.

I remember my first 13a was in Le Gorges du Tarn in France.

There's this climb called, I think it's called Octopus.

And I did it like, in my bathing suit, like I wasn't.

We had just gone swimming, and then we were like, climbing,

and I'm literally

just wearing bathing suit and, like, a harness and, it was like all pockets.

And I was super excited.

And the guy next to me

who was climbing was like, like, I did it really fast, and he was like,

I was like, that's my first, like, 5.13a or whatever, 7c+ plus.

And he was like, you could definitely do harder.

Like, that was fun.

And I remember.

Yeah. And how old were you then?

Like eight or something?

I don’t know.

You're like maybe nine? 8 or 9.

Probably like you,

you barely knew how to read.

I learned to read pretty young

to my to all my baby dolls.

Yeah.

I'm not going to know any of the, like, age, age range that, like, I just.

I'll have to look up. But you guys can do the same.

But I feel like I don't.

Yeah, I remember more based on memory.

Like, I remember my first 5.14a God's Own Stone in the Red River Gorge.

I remember doing that, like first try of the day.

Super cold, like, numbed out

I had been working at like, that was probably my first, like, real project.

So that, like, felt really good.

And then the same day,

another climber who was the same age had sent his first 5.14a.

So we were both the youngest, which is really cool.

Who is that?

Tito, Tito [Claudio Traversa] Oh.

Yeah, that poor kid that died in that accident?

Yeah. Italian. Oh, yeah. Poor kid. Yeah.

So we were, like, kind of the first to do a lot of things at the same time. Man.

Brooke: It's pretty devastating.

Yeah, totally.

And at what point did you,

basically at what point did you start climbing indoor slash competition

climbing?

You know, because, you're someone who grew up

climbing outdoors basically and climbing indoors.

Both. Yeah, exactly.

So talk about the

the contrast between them or what it meant to you to kind of learn both.

Yeah.

I mean, I, I just grew up doing both my whole life, honestly.

So I don't remember like when I started indoor

or when I started outdoor because that was just always my life.

It’d be most of the winter you know, I was in Boulder with my family,

going to school and climbing and doing competitions with ABC.

And then all of the summers I'd spend outdoors in France and Europe, traveling.

But yeah, indoor first memories.

I mean, ABC used to be based out of the BRC,

so we had like a little room, and then...ABBRC?

ABC, BRC, and like a little tree house.

And I remember climbing there doing, like, competitions and most of all

just climbing with, like, my friends who were also, like, really strong.

There was like probably ten of us, that were competing nationally and,

yeah, I don't know.

I, I feel like I just remember,

like having a good time more than, like the actual moments themselves.