Jason Kehl

Jason Kehl

Jason Kehl has been climbing for over 13 years and an artist for just as long. Climbing has always been a good creative outlet and his vagabond lifestyle and penchant for danger have fueled his adventures over the years. Jason's evolvement in the climbing world reflects theses ideas and he is willing to share them with whoever is willing to listen.

A pro climber that has been living on the road for the past 10 years, Jason always seems to find adventure. His highballing escapades have been well documented, including some amazing first ascents like- Evilution in Bishop, Ca and becoming the first person to solo 5.14d with his boulder ascent of The Fly in Rumney New Hampshire. You can also see what he is up to via his website www.cryptochild.com.

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Jason Kehl Blog: End of the Hueco season

 

 

 
            It’s the end of the Hueco season, so its time for me to move on. It was a great season though, especially since I’m just coming back from my knee surgery. It was nice to climb outdoors for several months without interruption. Just what I needed to feel comfortable back on the rock and Hueco Tanks was the perfect place to do it. It’s such a maze of boulder that you never know what could be around the corner. This year I found a bunch of new lines, some I did, and some I didn’t. I crimped till I bled and got some air under my feet, which always feels nice.          
 
 
 
I thought I had learned patience during my knee recovery, but you must have that same patience when working projects at your limit. You must be open to learn something new about the project every time you go. Frustration gets you nowhere, but that’s often a hard thing to remember. If I learn only one thing during a hard session, to me that was a successful day.
 
 
            In looking for projects this year I tried to come up with options to climb some amazing lines that in the past I may have thought the landings were too bad. Anything from hanging crash pads from aid hooks so they cling to the slabs, to self-belaying (to work a move) where a fall would swing you back into the pads behind you. These types of problems always make my fingers sweat just thinking about them. There are usually places you can fall and place you don’t even want to think about falling. To navigate that space safely is the challenge, not to mention being able to crank at your limit in that situation. It has definitely opened my eyes to other problems out there waiting to be climbed.
 
 
            Even though I really never want to leave a world-class area, change is good. The projects will still be there and even more wait out there in that jumble of rocks. It was nice getting to know the park this year and its potential. That alone will keep me coming back. Ill try to remember what I learned this year, but return next time with a fresh perspective. As I drove away on my last day, knowing a world of snow waited for me in Colorado. I just smiled and decided to not look back. Until next time that is.
 
 
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