“Reminds me of a love affair”: climbing is suddenly very hot
The lure of climbing is undeniable. This thrilling sport is rapidly growing in popularity, with social media awash with images of climbers conquering both literal and metaphorical peaks. Climbing isn’t just about physical strength; it’s a blend of logic, creativity, and instinct. Reaching the top is a unique “problem” for which each climber must find their own solution.
In climbing, each ascent is like a vibrant puzzle. The holds—specially designed knobs that climbers grip with their hands and feet—form a route that varies for each climber depending on their physique, style, and strategy. Similarly, nature has provided its own “holds” in the form of rock formations, with bumps and recesses offering places to grip. The rock is an unforgiving teacher, compelling the body to adapt as natural “holds” often appear where least expected.
Whether indoors or out in the open, this sport is a profound mental challenge. It tests your endurance, strategic thinking, and resolve. You may fall and have to try again, but each time you reach the summit, your spirit soars. Climbing is more than just a sport—it’s a challenge, a way to push your mind and body beyond what you thought was possible.
“It’s an incredibly creative sport. For the first three months of climbing, I only saw colored holds that I had to grab to reach the top. After those initial months, my perspective shifted and I began to view it like a grand chess game: it requires strategy and technical knowledge.”
There are various types of climbing:
– Artificial wall climbing (bouldering): typically done at low heights without ropes, focusing on short but technically challenging problems that require strength and flexibility.
– Rope climbing (sport climbing): the climber uses a rope and safety points, climbing pre-determined routes with specific anchor points.
– Trad climbing: the climber places their own protection on the route, combining technique, strategy, and mountain knowledge.
We joined Nikos Sarellis for a session of bouldering and rope climbing, during which he shared his passionate love for climbing.
– Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Nikos, but my friends call me Sarellis. I’m 24 years old and have been involved in sports since I was 2, starting with swimming and continuing until I was 17.
My journey into the world of physical education and sports science began at the University of Trikala, where I explored a range of training tools, techniques, and sports to enhance my skills, discover my passions, and improve my professional abilities. My initiation into rock climbing occurred in 2019 when I ventured into rope climbing with a friend at Korakospilia. This was a natural progression; I enjoyed casual climbing sessions with friends until I returned to Athens, where my passion for the sport continued to grow. It felt like falling in love. Before I knew it, I was deeply connected to the climbing fields and rocks of Athens, as well as the plastic grips on climbing slopes. Over the past seven months, I’ve taken this passion more seriously, striving to improve both as a coach and a climber. This led me to start training with Dimitri Aamer two months ago.
– When and why do you climb?
I climb in good times and bad. There’s no specific time or place – just the presence of good company and challenges is enough.
– What excites you about climbing?
To me, climbing is akin to juggling. I’m amazed by climbers who make complex problems appear effortless and exude such comfort and confidence that you believe you can do it too. But when you attempt the first move and struggle to even get a grip, you realize the amount of work ahead. I love being captivated by such magic, but I also enjoy deconstructing it, reminding myself that the other person is human too. This grounds me and motivates me to work harder, believing that if they can do it, so can I.
– Do you prefer climbing on rocks or a track?
If I could, I’d climb on rocks every day – it would feel like hitting the jackpot. It’s exhilarating to find such energetic channels of communication with nature, feeling completely in sync with it. It’s an indescribable feeling, like a playful interaction with nature’s resources. However, I also greatly enjoy both types of climbing as they offer different experiences. Climbing on a slope feels more like home, a safer environment, allowing me to be more carefree. I can afford to make mistakes knowing the risk of injury is lower.
– What does your climbing style say about your personality?
That’s an intriguing question. Honestly, I’ve never given it much thought, so I sought input from others. I believe my climbing style is reflected in the nicknames I’ve earned. During my early climbing days, I earned the nickname “trouble man” because I had a knack for complicating even the simplest of tasks. I considered it a talent. The most common nickname, however, was “gorilla,” attributed to my robust physique and strength. And to be honest, I took it as a compliment. I have always held a deep admiration for animals, particularly gorillas and orangutans. It’s worth mentioning that my love for climbing started early. As soon as I could stand, I began climbing before I even learned to walk. By the age of five, I was constantly climbing trees, a pastime I still enjoy today.
– What are some warning signs in a climbing partner?
Choosing a climbing partner is a crucial decision, as our lives quite literally hang in the balance. Here are a few things I look for:
– Ensuring safety for both themselves and me before we start climbing.
– The ability to give clear climbing commands and respond to mine effectively while I’m climbing.
– A cooperative spirit and attentiveness while I’m climbing, so they’re ready to act if I fall unexpectedly. A positive atmosphere is essential, devoid of any toxic energy.
– What goes through your mind when you’re alone on the wall?
The beauty of climbing is that it clears my mind. I’m wholly present, living in the moment.
– Strength or technique?
If I had three wishes from a genie, one would undoubtedly be to become the strongest man in the world. As a child, I always dreamt of being the Hulk. Strength exhilarates me, but without technique, progress is limited. Strength has a ceiling, technique doesn’t. Even the appropriate use of strength involves technique. An often overlooked third element is perceptual ability, which is crucial in climbing. It involves the correct positioning of the body.
– How do you improve your grip?
I’ve tried various methods to strengthen my fingers. Lately, I’ve been doing moderate fingerboard exercises and pull-ups, along with plenty of climbing.
– How do you recover after a strenuous workout?
I soak my hands in ice to reduce swelling. I also maintain my cuticles and nails to ensure I’m ready for the next day’s workout. If the intense session has gone well, I’ll treat myself to a guilty pleasure, watch a movie, and get a good night’s sleep.
– Do you feel that climbing is a metaphor for something deeper?
Climbing can indeed serve as a metaphor for success and life’s challenges. Each summit conquered symbolizes a goal achieved, while the obstacles encountered along the way mirror the various adversities we face in life.
Climbing is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, demanding both bravery and tenacity.
– What has climbing taught you about letting go?
Climbing teaches you that to reach the next hold and overcome the challenge, you must let go of the previous one. This idea has become a metaphor for life. Sometimes, if you make a wrong move, you might need to step back, relax, and try again, this time with more thought and less impulsivity. This is a lesson we could all apply to our daily lives. If you make a mistake and fall, it’s okay. Rest and try again. Everyone can interpret this lesson in their own way.
– What is your ultimate climbing soundtrack?
I have a favorite for each type of climbing I do:
– For rope climbing: “Anemone” by The Brian Jonestown Massacre
– For bouldering: “Blowin Up in the World” by Kool G
– For track climbing: “Osa o Bono” by Joker/Two Face
– Would you consider climbing a creative sport?
Absolutely, climbing is highly creative. For the first three months, all I saw were colored holds that I needed to grab to reach the top. After that, my perspective changed and I began to see it as a complex game of chess, requiring strategic thinking and technical knowledge. Often, you need to treat it like a choreography, executing your moves quickly and automatically to conserve energy. The beauty of climbing is that it’s different for everyone. Some may be stronger, others heavier, shorter, or have longer fingers. There’s no single correct approach. Everyone brings their unique gifts to the climb, making it a highly subjective experience.
– It seems like a solitary sport, is it?
Not at all. Despite the individual nature of the climb, you’re often in a bustling environment, interacting with others for advice on a challenge or to offer support and encouragement. Rope climbing, in particular, fosters deep relationships due to the trust it requires, especially on multi-pitch routes. For those unfamiliar, multi-pitch routes are long climbing routes divided into several sections or “pitches”. After each pitch, climbers reach a safety point, or belay, before continuing.
Commonly found on large rocks or mountains, multi-pitch routes typically offer more complex challenges compared to single-pitch routes.
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– Can a climbing gym be a good place for flirting?
Flirting isn’t confined to a specific location – there’s no definitive good or bad place for it. If there’s positive energy, connections can be made. However, I do believe it’s particularly special to share an experience with someone before even striking up a conversation. This could be as simple as helping them solve a problem or offering support. This isn’t exclusive to climbing gyms, of course, but it’s certainly not something you’d find in superficial, one-dimensional environments like clubs.
– Climbing is gaining popularity in Greece. Are there young professionals getting involved as coaches or route setters?
A number of people are interested in both aspects of climbing. However, due to limited opportunities and challenging financial conditions, these roles are hard to come by. Despite this, there are those who, despite the odds, continue to persevere. I resonate with these individuals because I can see their struggle. It’s incredibly difficult to live on minimum wage or juggle multiple jobs while training for your dream career.
I’d like to acknowledge some of these individuals: new coaches Iason Stavrakis and Petros Karamanlakis. I also want to recognize those who support and acknowledge the work of these young professionals, such as Anthony Anifantakis, Sotiris Belos and Dmitris Aamer. As for route setting, up until last year, the idea of regularly setting up a climbing gym in Greece was unheard of. Now, people are taking tentative steps in that direction. In this regard, Daniel Schwandt Lamprinidis deserves a mention. He’s responsible for setting up nearly all routes and delivering quality. He’s also the only one in Greece who sets up at a European level.
Special thanks to:
Mono by Athens Climbing Project
Instagram: @athensmonoclimb
44 Iridos, Halandri, 152 31
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