Between a rock and a hard place? That’s this director’s sweet spot
“I love the feeling of accomplishment when I’ve worked on a hard climb,” says the managing director of Perth-based Access Analytics. He answers our Time Out Q&A.
Jeff Robson is managing director of data analytics and financial modelling company Access Analytic. He lives in Perth.
How long have you been rock climbing, and how did you get into it?
My dad, Ian, was a climber in his 20s and used to go mountaineering in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, so I grew up seeing old slides of him and his buddies in ice caves, climbing up glaciers and standing on top of snow-covered peaks.
Jeff Robson climbing at Bob’s Hollow, along the Cape-to-Cape hiking track near Margaret River.
About seven years ago I was in Queenstown, New Zealand, with some free time after running a training course, and I decided to try a bunch of adventurous activities. First, I tried via ferrata (climbing cliffs using metal rungs), but I decided that was a bit too tame, so I found a guide who was doing rock-climbing tours. I really enjoyed it, and when I got back to Perth, I found some climbing groups on Meetup and Facebook. Now I’m the secretary of the Climbers Association of Western Australia, the peak body for rock climbing in the state.
Types of climbing?
My favourite is outdoor sport climbing, though I also do a lot of indoor sport climbing and bouldering, particularly during the evenings or when it’s raining. I’ve done quite a bit of traditional climbing, too, but sport climbing always feels that little bit safer. My friends and I never do free soloing, though – no ropes is too risky, and we like staying alive.
How often do you climb?
Most weeks, I climb at least once or twice indoors and once outdoors. When the weather is good, however, it’s quite common for me to be out climbing for most of the weekend.
Robson climbing at Mt Arapiles in Victoria.
How many climbs have you been on?
Probably thousands, although I don’t track each one. I’ve logged 196 on The Crag [a rock climbing and bouldering platform], but these are just some of the most important ones.
Solo or group climber?
I always go with at least one other person so they can belay me. Although it’s possible to climb by yourself, generally most climbers will climb with a partner and often in a group. This is safer … and more fun.
Most exhilarating or memorable moment?
These usually occur after I’ve had to really fight to finish a climb. One example was in Laos, where I was trying (and failing) to finish a climb called Jungle King. It’s a beautiful climb on amazing limestone with large holds, but it’s very long, and very overhung for most of the route. I tried it twice a day for a week – and finally got it on the morning of the day my climbing group, the Spider Monkeys were flying out. It was the highest grade climb I’ve achieved so far. The feeling of achievement (and relief) was indescribable.
Do you travel overseas to climb?
Yes, definitely. I just returned from a trip to Tonsai in Thailand, and have been climbing in other countries like New Zealand, Laos and Malaysia – not to mention many different parts of Australia.
Dream rock climbing destination?
Some friends and I are going sailing and rock climbing around the Italian island of Sardinia in September, so I’m really looking forward to that. Other dream locations include Greece, Yosemite, Spain … There are so many amazing places to climb.
Robson climbing at Tonsai Beach, near Krabi in Thailand.
Ever felt scared during a climb?
People think climbers don’t feel fear. Nothing could be further from the truth: we feel fear almost every time we climb. It’s about being able to recognise the fear and put it to one side so it doesn’t paralyse you, and you can focus on doing the moves you need to do to complete the climb.
Any tips for people looking to get into or improve their rock climbing?
It’s super easy to try rock climbing: just go to any climbing gym and pay your entrance fee. This will include some basic instruction and can also include the rental of all the gear you need. If someone wants to try outdoor climbing, the easiest and safest way is with a qualified guide, but there are climbs outdoors that almost anyone can do.
People often think climbing is about having a lot of strength in the upper body and fingers. While that helps, climbers try to use their legs more than relying on their arms. If you want to know why, just check out the size of your leg muscles compared to your arm muscles.
Robson hauling himself up Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs, near Yallingup in Western Australia.
To get better, you can film yourself and watch for things to improve, hire a climbing coach, pick up tips from YouTube videos, read books about climbing and training, and go to a normal gym to lift weights and build strength – but the best way to improve is to climb more.
Love most about rock climbing?
I love the physical challenge: rock climbing is a full-body workout that builds strength, flexibility and endurance. It can be physically demanding, which is very fulfilling and enjoyable. I also love the feeling of accomplishment when I’ve been working on a hard climb and finally send it. I love the mental challenge of working out how to complete a climb, and of overcoming my fears. Every climb is graded, so I love measuring my progress and constantly trying to improve. I love getting outdoors, travelling and enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds us. And lastly, I love the social aspect of climbing, developing lifelong friendships with amazing people who I trust with my life every time we climb.
Dislike about it?
I dislike its reputation as an extreme sport, and I really dislike how it is usually portrayed in movies. People often think climbers are daredevils or adrenaline junkies, but this is false. Climbers are very risk-averse, and we do everything we can to stay safe and keep each other safe.
lifeandleisure@afr.com
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