Ambassador Spotlight | Katlyn Radkay
Hometown: Schererville, IN
Q: What’s your climbing style?
A: Bouldering
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment in climbing, and outside of climbing?
A: My proudest accomplishment in climbing is sending the boulder “Bumboy” at HP40. This boulder was one that I thought I would never finish because of my height. Even though I thought that, I tried to stay positive and kept trying and then out of nowhere I sent it. Outside of climbing my proudest accomplishment is figuring out what I want to do for a career and going back to school to finish my degree.
Q: What advice would you give to your first year climbing self?
A: I would tell myself to try everything. There are many times where I wouldn’t try a route or a boulder because I thought I wasn’t strong or good enough to do it. I would tell myself that it is okay to fail and learn from it.
Q: Who do you take advice from and why?
A: I like to take advice from anyone that is willing to give me some because I feel like everyone has something to give to another. Most of the time though it is usually from my friends/family that have been through similar experiences because I trust them.
Q: How has your training for climbing changed in the last year?
A: This past year I have started to train power. I started climbing on the Moon Board and have been using the campus board more consistently.
Q: How has climbing affected the people you choose to surround yourself with?
A: Since I have started climbing most of the people I surround myself with are supportive, positive people who are always great to be around.
Q: What have you done to give back to the climbing community?
A: I have started coaching for the Youth Team at my local gym and with that have volunteered at a few USA Climbing events. With climbing outside more I am also planning on doing some trail days to help preserve climbing crags.
Q: What have you learned from failure?
A: I have learned that failure is a good thing. If you are not failing on something, then what can you improve on? Failure lets me know how I can make myself a better climber and person.
Q: Who are the climbers that inspire you the most, and why?
A: Michaela Kiersch inspires me because like her I am pretty short compared to most, but she does not let that stop her. She continues to push limits and gives me the comfort of knowing height doesn’t matter.
Q: What is your favorite climbing location, and why?
A: Horse Pens 40 because there are a lot of unique slopey topouts. I am not very good at slopey topouts so it is nice to work on a weakness. Another reason I like HP40 is that you can camp right next to the boulders and can climb any time of the day.
Q: Why Butora Climbing?
A: I love Butora because of the people I have made connections within the company. They are super friendly, genuine and Butora seems more like a community rather than just a company.
Q: What are your favorite before and after climbing meals?
A: Before, banana and Nutella sandwiches. After, pizza.
Q: What is your spirit animal?
A: Pug.
Q: What differences have you found in climbing Narsha versus climbing in Acro?
A: The Narsha rubber is a lot stiffer than it is on the Acro. The Acro will feel more comfortable because of this, but the Narsha allows you to stand on smaller footholds.
Q: What are some tips you would give to new outdoor climbers about crag etiquette?
A: Pack out any trash, gear, etc that you bring in!
Preserve the rock. Some rock should not be climbed on while wet because it can break and fall apart.
Q: Tips you would give to someone who is stuck on their project? How do you stay motivated when you are stuck?
A: Take a tiny break from it. Sometimes you need a mental break when you are stuck. I will spend a session or two focusing on other routes/boulders or different weaknesses. Then next time I come back to my project I get super psyched to try it again.
Q: How have you overcome fear in climbing (fear of falling, fear of failure, etc.)?
A: I don’t think I will ever overcome my fear of falling(on ropes), but I do try to work on it. When I start to notice myself feeling uncomfortable or scared on a rope route I will push myself to go just a little farther and either I get to the top or I will fall, but either way, it is a step closer to overcoming my fear.
Check out our next Ambassador, Jamie Leland
