Why We Climb: Jamin Morris

WHY WE CLIMB Into the minds of a new generation

JAMIN MORRIS

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Why do we climb?

Inside the minds of Jamin Morris, Richard Marotta, Max Powell and Nathan Bonnie.

Coming from completely different backgrounds, each one has found their place in climbing. A common thread between them is that climbing has had a huge impact on their lives. From something as simple as getting stronger to something as complex as helping mental health.

Climbing has helped to pave the way for change in their lives. Illustrating this was the driving force behind “Why we Climb”.

What initially started out as photographing locals at the gym, sharing information on routes and conversing about latest news, has turned into a project that illustrates climbing’s more profound effects.

When/Why did you get in to climbing?

I first got into climbing at the beginning of 2017, because my housemate at the time was part of the climbing society and pestered me to come along. I previously had a taster session and loved it but never had the opportunity to develop that interest.

What’s your favourite type of climbing?

I don’t really have a favourite type of climbing. I enjoy both roped climbing and bouldering because of the different challenges they offer. I like long routes because they’re more technical and require more endurance, whilst bouldering has really strong powerful moves. Both offer different challenges I enjoy, and require different skills I want to develop.

What is one of your most memorable moments in climbing?

My most memorable moment in climbing is flashing a 6b+ on top rope. Looking at the climb, I thought to myself I probably couldn’t do it. It hurt, but I managed to get into a rhythm. At the top I felt a bit shaky, but managed to pull up on a half pad crimp with one hand, pumped to hell and finish the route.

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“Both offer different challenges I enjoy, and require different skills I want to develop.”

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Which climber has inspired you the most?

The climber who’s inspired me the most is a woman called Kyra Condie from Minnesota. She’s a pro climber who’s had the same spinal operation as I have. I have a condition called scoliosis, which means my spine has bent into an S-shape. In 2014, I had my spine straightened, so I now have metal rods and pins in my spine holding it straight. She shows me the potential of what I could achieve even with my condition.

How has climbing influenced you as a person?

Climbing gives you that mental resilience to keep working on problems even when you might think you can’t do it. I do it all the time where I think “I can’t do that”, but then people I climb with tell me I can and then I find I usually can. Climbing also helps me with my mental health, keeping my depression at a manageable level. I’ve found sport really helps with that.

What goals do you as a climber have for the future ?

I’d loved to do big wall climbing at some point. At the moment I can’t lead but that’s a goal I have set very close. I also want to push my grade. I have a project at the moment that is 7a which is above my current level, but I know I won’t progress unless I push myself.

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“She shows me the potential of what I could achieve even with my condition.”

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©JAMINMORRIS WHY WE CLIMB

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“For me climbing feels like a whole lot of pain, but excitment as well.”

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What does climbing feel like for you?

For me climbing feels like a whole lot of pain, but excitement as well. I know if I hur t the next morning it usually means I’ve done a really good session and pushed myself, or I’ve injured myself.

What do you see for the future of rock climbing?

I’m not too sure what the future holds for climbing. It’s a growing sport, which I think is being helped by the Olympics. There will definitely be an influx after Tokyo, but whether that stays up I’m not sure. The pro’s make it look easy, people sometimes feel climbing looks cool, but then it turns out it’s too hard. Or it could flip the other way, and someone thinks that climbing is too hard, but they want to try to get better and hopefully one day be as good as the athletes they see in the Olympics.

Do you think it will encourage more competition at gyms?

Climbing does encourage competition for me, but that’s my nature. You have it with your mates, you just have a bit of fun saying “I can do that before you”. It’s a drive - it makes me want to try harder because I’m competing against my best friend, and you want to beat your best friend so you have bragging rights. However, it should be seen as a friendly competition. All centres have their competitions, which are very laid back. It’s a social event, but everyone’s there to see who can do the best. Nobody really cares, because everyone’s at a different level - certain people can’t do crimps, certain people can, peoples styles differ. It doesn’t really matter what you’re ability is, where you’re from, or what you look like, you will be welcomed.

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PHOTOGRAPHY AND INTERVIEW

BY JORIAN BIGGS