All the secrets of a super climber: interview with Paige Claassen

Climbing is an art and Paige Claassen is a unique artist. Look to the video with the C.A.M.P. athlete on Art Attack (8c) at Sasso Remenno in Valmasino (Central Alps) and you'll agree with us! But which are the secrets of Paige amazing achievements? During the Italian step of the Lead Now Tour, she visited C.A.M.P. head office in Premana to collaborate with our R&D department: the perfect occasion to make an exclusive interview! Paige, how did you discover climbing? "I began to climb because I was very bad at other sports: I tried also to swim but I was terrible! My parents wanted to find a sport that I liked, so they took me at a climbing gym and I really loved that. I was 9 years old; then, when I was 16 years old, I started to climb outside". Have you ever visited Italy before the Lead Now Tour? "I was been in Turin for one day, about three years ago: I was with my family for a climbing competition. So this is my first real time in Italy because I don't think one day in Turin counts!". Do you like Italy? "Oh, it's amazing, a very beautiful country! And people are wonderful and friendly. I think that Americans and Italians are very similar, especially because everyone loves the mountains!". What did you think when you saw Premana and C.A.M.P. head office for the first time? "It was really cool: I saw the village from the other side of the valley and I noted C.A.M.P. big building immediately. I knew factory was here, in a really small mountain village, but I didn't expect it's so beautiful!". Where did you climb during your trip? "I climbed in Masino Valley but also at Esino crag close to Premana. I went to Switzerland for one day to climb a multipitch route: I climbed the famous “Fiamma” – the Flame – in the Albigna group. But my best achievement was the second ascent of Art Attack at Sasso Remenno in Valmasino". What kind of sport routes do you prefer? "My favorite style of climbing is very technical and vertical: I like challenge my mind and work very precise feet. So Art Attack is a perfect route for me!". Do you prefer granite or limestone? "I don't really have a favorite type of rock. For example, I love both Céüse limestone, in France, and Monastery granite, in Colorado!". Why did you leave competitions? "From 9 to 18 years old I worked to compete: I really liked the pressure of competitions. But when I began to climb on the rock, I realized that I really liked to be outside and not in a gym. If you want to compete well, achieving high results, it needs to train in the gym a lot. But I wanted to climb outside more". What does the Lead Now Tour mean for you? "I'm traveling to unique areas in the world where I can climb with a lot of people. I want to show climbing as an adventure, a way to learn about other cultures and to see amazing places. I share my stories to inspire people that if you really want to achieve a goal, you can do it". What do your parents think about your idea to travel and climb for 12 months? "My parents are ever very supporting: I began to travel with my family when I was young to go to the competitions around the world. For some days they stayed in Italy with me: they understand that the Lead Now Tour is a great way to learn for me". What does climbing mean for you? "Climbing is a way to challenge myself in any ways: not only physically but also mentally and emotionally. I like to have a project: to push my limits attempting a very difficult sport route until to achieve it". What are your favorite CAMP products? "I cooperated with C.A.M.P. to develop the Supernova women harness that in my opinion is simply amazing. But I love also the superlight Photon quickdraws and the new wonderful chalk bags". Why are CAMP products unique in the world? "Many companies just focus on look differences. C.A.M.P. has a unique 125 years history and really focuses on the function, making the lightest climbing gear in the world". WATCH THE VIDEOS OF PAIGE IN ITALY At the CAMP head office Climbing Art Attack (8c) More about Paige and the Lead Now Tou www.paigeaclaassen.wordpress.com www.leadnowtour.org Read the article about the ascent on Art Attack: www.camp.it