David Chaundy-Smart started climbing in Toronto in 1975. He now owns several publications, including Gripped Magazine, has authored five guidebooks for the Ontario climbing scene and recently published a book of memoirs titled ‘A Youth Wasted Climbing’.

David starts his West Coast book tour next week in Victoria on October 10th, at Patagonia Victoria, followed by an event on October 12th in Vancouver at the Book Warehouse on Main Street. We thought it would be a great idea to chat with David and here his ideas on history, climbing in Canada, and where it all is going. Here is what he had to say.

A young David Chaundy-Smart. Photo courtesy of David Chaundy-Smart ©

Hi David, thanks for taking the time to talk to us.

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Sweet little video of Kai Lightner on Era Vella. Great job of capturing Kai’s personality and approach to life!

We are pleased to announce that Jeremy Blumel sent his summer project in the boulders yesterday, climbing Overdrive(V11). The ascent marks the first of Jer’s at this grade, and coupled with his ascent of Adder Crack (5.13b, Trad) earlier this year, proves Jer to be one of the areas top all-round climbers. Many know Jer by his regular climbing related column in the Chief and by his role as co-president of the Grand Wall Bouldering Co-op. Way to go Jer!

Jer Blumel finding time to put in work on Overdrive(V11). Photo courtesy of Luke Zimmerman©

Here is Clayton Arnall’s cut of Terry Paholek sending the Nerf Roof Project (v12).

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We are pleased to announce that Tom Wright made the first ascent of his project today, naming it Spirit of the West. Tom bolted the line in January and since then has tried over 40 times until finally sending today. Although hesitant about the grade, he does think that it is one of the hardest things he has done to date and could be anywhere from 5.13d to 5.14a. When asked what he attributed to the send, Tom replied ‘My new haircut!’. Apparently for Tom’s last four projects, he always sends post-haircut from his stylist, Vikki Weldon.

Tom Wright on Spirit of the West. Photo courtesy of Tom Wright ©

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We are pleased to announce that Alannah Yip, from the Greater Vancouver area, has made finals at the 5th Annual Portland Boulder Rally.

Team of BC Athletes storming Portland. Photo courtesy of Shane Murdoch ©

Be sure to check out the live feed starting at 7pm Pacific time below.

Here is a video featuring the low start to the classic Driven (v9).

The fifth annual Portland Boulder Rally takes place this weekend in Portland, OR. This event is the largest one day bouldering event in North American and this year boasts a $10,000 take away purse. For those who remember last year, BC athlete Elan Jonas-McCrae made finals in a very strong field with the win going to Jimmy Webb.

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