Ambassador Spotlight | Robyn Ragins
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Q: What’s your climbing style?
A: Sport & Bouldering
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment in climbing, and outside of climbing?
A: Sending Kaleidoscope 13c at the Red River Gorge. And winning the Young Gun Rookie Team Award for community service achievements.
Q: What advice would you give to your first year climbing self?
A: Go on an outdoor climbing trip as soon as possible.
Q: Who do you take advice from and why?
A: My coaches and my closest friends because they always have my best interest at heart.
Q: How has your training for climbing changed in the last year?
A: I had a big change in my training while switching from being on a youth team to coaching one. I now train alone most days and am in charge of my own training plan.
A: I am mostly around climbers, considering my family climbs, I work with climbers and I climb, so I spend lots of hours in the gym. I love the Chicago climbing community and all the people who make every day more fun. Alternatively, my non climbing friends need to be very understanding people because, I spend so much time training and not with them.
Q: What have you done to give back to the climbing community?
A: When I left competitive youth climbing I started coaching and volunteering at events in order to give back to the biggest part of my youth. I have also participated in clean up days at the Red River Gorge, my home crag.
Q: What have you learned from failure?
A: Failure is good, it means that I tried hard enough and hopefully put in all my effort to surpass my comfort zone. After failure I learn what went wrong and how to improve myself for the next try.
Q: Who are the climbers that inspire you the most, and why?
A: MIchaela Kiersch inspires me the most because she was able to do her best competitive and outdoor climbing all while being an exceptional college student.
Q: What is your favorite climbing location, and why?
A: Rodellar, Spain is my favorite crag because I love the long, endurance, tufa climbs. But also the community there is amazing because the climber town is so small and there are always people hanging out at the sectors.
Q: Why Butora Climbing?
A: Butora came into the climbing shoe scene a little late but, they tried and believed in their product and made an impact in the industry. I love the comfortable fit of the shoes that are still aggressive and great for all types of climbing.
Q: What are your favorite before and after climbing meals?
A: Eggs or yogurt before climbing and Tacos after!
Q: What is your spirit animal?
A: A meerkat.
Questions from the Internet
These are questions our visitors have asked.
Q: What differences have you found in climbing Narsha versus climbing in Acro?
A: The narsha has a much finer edge that is very helpful while also being an aggressive shoe, making it very versatile for style and great for outdoors. The acro is super comfy and aggressive, which is why it is my favorite all around gym shoe.
Q: What are some tips you would give to new outdoor climbers about crag etiquette?
A: Keep your stuff condensed to one area, don’t leave your belongings all over the crag. Also don’t play music or be extremely loud if others are around.
Q: Tips you would give to someone who is stuck on their project? How do you stay motivated when you are stuck?
A: Projecting is all about staying psyched on something that you couldn’t do quickly. It takes work to project, lots of tries and energy. Positive thinking is a must, stay happy and confident in your abilities. Also, take a break and climb some other things every once in a while so you’re not bored.
Q: How have you overcome fear in climbing (fear of falling, fear of failure, etc.)?
A: I was afraid of trying hard grades that push my limits on outdoor climbs because I didn’t want to fall or find out that my limit was lower than I wanted it to be. So I found a climbing partner who I trusted and who supported me, so I was able to be confident in whatever I tried.
Check out our next Ambassador, Tom Smartt
