First Ascent Podcast

This week, Jay and Lee are winging it! Learn all about the Peregrine Falcon closure at Main Cliff in Rumney, and Chris Sharma’s first ascent of the 15 c, Sleeping Lion. Then, the guys answer your latest batch of listener questions.  Connect with us at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx   Disclaimer:  The information expressed in this episode is for...

In today’s episode, Jay and Lee are joined by legendary New England climbers Ward and Chris Smith! Ward and Chris are responsible for some of the most beloved routes at Rumney and beyond. Tune in to learn how they got their start, what it was like to be a part of Team Tough during the height of development at Rumney, the challenges they’ve experienced in balancing access and overcrowding, and so m...

Abby Erler and Kayte Knower join us today to talk about the access efforts that are underway at Merriam Woods (formerly Russell Crag). Learn about the vote that just occurred and where things will go from here.  Are you passionate about recreation at Merriam Woods? Get involved at  https://www.merriamwoods.org/ Connect with us at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower...

Today, Jay and Lee answer another batch of questions you’ve submitted. Hear their thoughts on ad campaigns, how to handle unsolicited beta, their skin care routines, and so much more. Do you have a listener question or a topic idea? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx   Disclaimer:  The information expressed in this episode is for ent...

Today Jay and Lee tackle a topic they claim to know almost nothing about - training. The guys discuss the pros and cons of regimented training, the bits of training they do, and how pairing training with technique can be the golden ticket to unlocking higher grades.  Do you have a listener question or a topic idea? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower...

Today Jay poses the question: When does a route stop being the purview of the first ascentionist and become the purview of the community? Then the guys answer your latest batch of listener questions.  Do you have a listener question or a topic idea? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx   Disclaimer:  The information expressed in this e...

Today Jay and Lee tackle a controversial topic - fixed gear! Learn their definition of fixed gear, get an overview of the different kinds of gear that can be fixed, and hear their thoughts on when it is (and isn’t) appropriate. Plus, Jay and Lee share two very different views on what the quintessential climbing experience looks like.  Did we miss any types of fixed gear? Let us know at @firstascen...

First Ascent’s Science Correspondent Katharine Hinkle joins us today to dig into one of the big mysteries of climbing - what causes the distinct smell of a trundled boulder? Plus, learn why dew point is important for climbing conditions, and the science behind the frigid cold snap New Hampshire experienced last week.  Join in on the conversation @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be fou...

Last week Jay and Lee attended the frigid Mt. Washington Valley Ice Fest! Brian O’Leary of Forecast Equipment joins the guys to chat about the event. Learn about Forecast’s cool ice tools and join in on their debate about climbing aids! Where do you draw the line on what you consider a climbing aid? Let us know @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx  ...

Today the guys talk through some of the most interesting terms in the climbing dictionary. Where did they originally come from? How have some terms have changed over the years? And what exactly do they mean?. Hear their thoughts on redpoint, gaston, thundercling (or THUMBdercling?), epics, whippers, and more!  Disclaimer:  The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes onl...

Today, Jay and Lee share their thoughts after watching the first episode of The Climb on HBOMax. Then, they dig into listener questions, including their favorite places to climb and favorite (and least favorite) types of rock.  Palate Cleansers:  El Capitan - Fred Padula 1971:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcWg9Y9oLY4 One Summer - Bouldering in the Peak in 1994:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

Jay is laid up with a back injury from chopping wood, so the guys thought there was no better time to discuss climbing injuries. Today, Jay and Lee chat about their own experiences with injuries and how they’ve navigated the setbacks that come with them.  Disclaimer:  The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted...

This week, Jay’s mom Susan and Lee’s dad Ernie join the pod! Tune in for a wide ranging chat about Jay and Lee’s early climbing days, and the importance of allowing children to do challenging things. Plus, hear some great stories about climbing with the parents.  What do your parents think of climbing? Do they participate? Let us know @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayk...

Today Jay and Lee celebrate Festivus in classic Seinfeld fashion by airing their grievances! Tune in to hear Jay and Lee let loose on topics including -  inflated gym bouldering ratings, downgrading routes, carabiners on chalk bags… and water filtration?  What is your biggest grievance in the climbing world this year? Let us know @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower...

“There are no such things as bad conditions, just bad attitudes” - Tim Deroehn Today, Jay and Lee let you in on one of the best kept secrets of climbing - climbing in cold weather. Hear their thoughts on the weather conditions to look for, techniques for keeping warm (hello screaming pukies!), and how to choose the best routes.  Plus, get the guys unvarnished views on Totem cams, the ‘no anticipat...

Mountain guide and avid ice climber Dave Lottman joins us on the show today for a wide ranging conversation about ice climbing, avalanche preparedness, and what he’s looking forward to this ice climbing season. Plus, we’ll tackle a few listener questions!  For more about Dave and his class offerings, check out his Instagram , blog , or at www.nemountaineering.com .  Connect with us at @firstascent...

You asked, we answered! This week we’re going through the First Ascent mailbag to answer questions that have come our way.  Do you have a burning question that you’d like answered on a future episode? DM it to us at @firstascentpod on Instagram!  Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx   Disclaimer:  The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and i...

Today Jay and Lee cover what is possibly the most important piece of gear of all: shoes. Learn about the history of how climbing shoes changed the game, the impotance of shoe sizing, and hear Jay and Lee’s debate on best shoes throughout the years.  What are your desert island climbing shoes? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram!  Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx   Dis...

The ice climbing season is upon us and Jay and Lee are joined today by an impressive line up of dedicated ice climbers to chat about just that. Tune in to hear a wide ranging conversation on ice climbing with guests Pat Cooke, Luke Hampton, Jon Nicolodi, Zac St. Jules, and Yan Mongrain. Connect with us at @firstascentpod on Instagram.  Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx   Discl...

We are back with Part 2! This week Jay and Lee continue with their list of what they believe to be the most classic climbs of each rating in New Hampshire - 5.11 - 5.14. Tell us your thoughts on classic climbs - did we nail it or not? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram.  Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx   Disclaimer:  The information expressed in this episode is for...

By Popular Demand! This week Jay and Lee name what they believe to be the most classic climbs of each rating in New Hampshire - 5.3 - 5.10. Tune in next week for 5.11-5.14s!  Tell us your thoughts on classic climbs - did we nail it or not? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram.  Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx   Disclaimer:  The information expressed in this episode is...

Today Jay and Lee discuss the unique language of climbing - beta. Hear their thoughts about the lore, the subtlety, the categories, and how it’s utilized to communicate with the rock.  Connect with us at @firstascentpod on Instagram.  Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx   Disclaimer:  The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intend...

This week, the guys pick up their discussion about safety with one of the most important topics of all: belaying. Tune in to hear their thoughts on the history of belaying, the lost art that it once was, jump and soft catch and reducing impact. Connect with us at @firstascentpod on Instagram.  Jay and Lee can be found at @jayknower and @xxleeweexx   Disclaimer:  The information expressed in this e...

Last week at the crag, Jay got hit in the head with a rock (he’s ok!), so it’s time for Jay and Lee to review one of the most important topics in climbing: safety.  Today, they share their thoughts on safety surrounding helmets, knots, harnesses, carabiners and belaying.  Tune in next week for a deeper talk on safe belaying!  Connect with us at @firstascentpod on Instagram.  Jay and Lee can be fou...

This week Jay poses an interesting question: Does sketchiness have a place in climbing?  Get an idea of what the guys think ‘sketchiness’ exactly is, hear the sketchiest stories from their early days (and recent days!), and learn why sketchy experiences at the crag can be both very important to growth and still ill advised.  Connect with us at @firstascentpod on Instagram.  Jay and Lee can be foun...