I’m happy to announce that today’s guest is pro climber and all-around genuine person, Paige Claassen. Paige is one of the top sport climbers in America and the world, having sent multiple 5.14+ routes, including her latest send of Dreamcatcher, a 5.14d in Squamish, British Columbia.
Pro climbers are paid in large part to climb, at least for a portion of their life. But Paige does so much more than climb. She’s worked insane hours at a packhouse in Namibia harvesting grapes, she founded and promoted nonprofit projects across the globe, and she’s heavily involved in making a more equitable world.
That said, despite all these achievements, Paige admittedly struggles at times with issues we all face: self-disappointment, a hesitation to celebrate victories, and a feeling that the anticipation of the thing is greater than the thing. Paige is learning to recognize wins and take compliments, with simple refrains, like, “this is a big one for me.” Her thoughts here gave me a lot of room for self-reflection.
Topics Discussed with Paige Claassen
- Paige’s recent send of Dreamcatcher (5.14d) and 5.15 ambitions
- Competitiveness and healthy relationships when climbing with a significant other
- Difficulty celebrating achievements, struggling with disappointment
- Paige’s disregard for the term “first female ascent”
- The importance of family support
- Paige’s surprise to still be climbing professionally
- Why Paige never returned to college after expecting she would
- Is professional climbing more lucrative now?
- Thoughts on social media, influencers, and tastefully representing brands
- Side income: rental income, van builds, and the uncomfortable discussions of who gets to build wealth
- Life in South Africa, Namibia, and Colorado with her husband
- Helping African children as a female American outsider
- Struggling to maintain a sense of community in multiple home bases
- Paige’s recent embrace of van life
- So much more!
Paige Claassen Contact and Projects
Original Written Interview: Paige Claassen: Making a Difference
Southern Africa Education Fund
Lead Now Tour with Louder Than Eleven
Other Interviews Mentioned
EP 10: Mark Anderson: The Seasons of Life
Dave MacLeod: Life Outside the Box, Part 1
Dave MacLeod: Life Outside the Box, Part 2
Videos
Video: Paige working Empath (5.15a) with Keenan Takahashi
Video: How Dave MacLeod Celebrates Sending Projects (Eating the Raspberry Cheesecake 2.0)
Clipping Chains Housing Posts
Should I Buy a Home? Part 2: Opportunity Cost
Relocation: A Guide to Moving and Housing Affordability
This Just In: The Real Cost of Home Ownership
And We’re Back to Home Ownership! But Why Now?
Housing Affordability: This Isn’t Normal
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“Being motivated on your own objectives (for couples)”
That line Paige says is powerful and goes beyond climbing. While being a team is important, retaining your own goals and aspirations is essential for longterm partners. Thanks for the great podcast, Paige and Mr. CC!
I’m glad you’re getting some non-climber insight!