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PAUL SOUZA
Trad climber
Central Valley, CA
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Topic Author's Original Post - Mar 3, 2013 - 05:41pm PT
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Hello everyone.
Meet Cory. He'll be 11 next week. We met through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program here in Fresno. For our first outing, I took him to the climbing gym here in Fresno and he has been hooked ever since. He also did a mock trad lead on the gym crack with my rack and a rope in tow.
We've gone on several trips to Yosemite to ice skate, build a snowman (a first for me too), scramble up to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls, he bouldered the first 6 feet of Pine Line in his snow boots, and we've started climbing outside.
On his first trip out, we rolled up to Square Nail with my buddy and his 9 yr old. I taught them how to build a trad anchor. We then fixed a rope and I rapped down. Danny hooked the boys up and they got to rap themselves and I provided a fireman belay just in case. We did some TR'ing and he did a 5.8 slab for his first burn, then did another lap back to back. We did a short multi-pitch on the way out.
Yesterday we met up with some peeps at Pat & Jack. After I got beat up on Sherry's Crack 5.10c, Cory hopped on for his first time ever climbing crack and he climbed like a totally different kid compared to his burns in the gym. He was head strong, great technique and foot work. He was doing moves I've never seen him do and got me starting to take notes. He motored up and finished the pitch for only his 2nd day out.
He gave Nob Job 5.10b a go, but had to bail due to a bad stomach ache. Later we decided to head home. He puked on the way and started feeling better. We stopped at REI on the way home and unbeknownst to him, the Freedom of the Hills book I was buying was his b-day present that I shortly after handed to him. His smile wrapped around his head.
He is officially now training for After 6, Nutcracker, Royal Arches, Cathedral Peak, and Snake Dike. He's been scouring the ST guidebook pointing out the approach beta and the gear we'll need. He's also planning out his training circuit. His homework is to read a few chapters of the FOTH book.
He wants to climb El Cap this summer, but he has much training to do. I told him my only requirement is for him to have fun and that when he turns 18 he needs to take me up the NIAD. Hahaha. His mom says he's never been so happy.
So, he's been borrowing my buddy's girlfriend's climbing shoes, which Blaine later let him have. Thanks man! However, I need to send those up to Barry to get resoled. He only has 1 pair of shoes, which look like old school All-Stars. He has endured a lot of hardship, which I'm not going to post up any details. I'm wondering if any of the ST ladies have any approach shoes they'd like to sell in size 6.5 or 7 that don't look too girly....haha. :)Some running shoes would be nice for our training hikes. I'm not looking for free stuff. Rather some cheap hand-me-downs to get him by.
Cheers!
-Paul
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enjoimx
Trad climber
Yosemite, ca
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Good for you and him. Sounds like a fun kid to hang out with. Good luck getting some shoes.
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Seamstress
Trad climber
Yacolt, WA
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Nice lead! This young man is lucky to find a friend to show him the ropes for real and for his life. The smile on his face says it all. I have friends that I have climbed with since they were young teens, and we have bonded for life.
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bergbryce
Mountain climber
California
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Wow Sherrie's Crack that quick?
I don't have any shoes to offer but I can offer a hearty pat on the back for doing some quality service. Nice work man.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Beat from the weekend .... and checking the Taco. Let me see if I have any shoes for him. Please post up again Monday or Tuesday with a reminder.
Cheers, Lynnie
Edit: can he wear a size 71/2? Does he have a high volumne or low volumne foot?
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James Wilcox
Boulder climber
The Coast
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Very cool, and I mean the both of you.
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Dick Erb
climber
June Lake, CA
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Absolutely Wonderful!
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Norton
Social climber
the Wastelands
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It's fun being a Big Brother isn't it!
I have two Little Bros in the program, both in their mid twenties now, met them when they where 11 and 13.
Just got done doing the income taxes for one of them, now working full time at Lowes, and will meet him next week for breakfast, the kid is doing great, the other one not so.
Cory seems a wonderful young guy, and good on you for being a Big Brother!
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Peter Haan
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, CA
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Great, Paul. Show him Mirko's website. Mirko is 12 years old, lives in Los Gatos. It should give your guy Cory an idea how wonderful this climbing thing could be for him.
http://www.mirkocaballero.com
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guido
Trad climber
Santa Cruz/New Zealand/South Pacific
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Super Paul, there are lots of young lads out there looking for some direction and good on ya for sharing such an experience.
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Patrick Sawyer
climber
Originally California now Ireland
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Good on you Paul. I'd like to do something similar, but I already have my hands full as a home carer. Best wishes.
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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good one, Paul;...thanks for sharing this post and for sharing of yourself.......it's a big deal, no doubt...Bravo to you!
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Vegasclimber
Trad climber
Las Vegas, NV.
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Paul, you're a hell of a good dude. I don't have any shoes for you, but thanks for taking the time to reach out to someone that needs you.
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Srbphoto
climber
Kennewick wa
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What's his boys size in shoes and clothes? My son is the same age and big for his age. I may have some stuff that will fit him.
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limpingcrab
Trad climber
the middle of CA
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Glad you posted this just 'cause it's a cool story and reminds us what it's all about! Maybe it'll motivate a few people to do something like that too? I'd check thrift stores, tons of cheap shoes of all sizes to thrash on approaches. REI used gear sale in Fresno usually has a good selection too.
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The Lisa
Trad climber
Da Bronx, NY
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Wonderful to see the opportunities you are giving Cory! Are you referring to a men's or women's shoe size? I would love to help with climbing shoes and running shoes. None of mine are at all girly, I promise ;)
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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Nice story! Good karma!
When he grows into men's 8 or so gimme a shout!
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zip
Trad climber
pacific beach, ca
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Paul,
If you like, i will buy him some new shoes.
Maybe you can take him to REI and find out what fits and what he likes, and let me know.
Blair
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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hey there say, paul.... very nice to see this share...
big brother, big sister... this is how life should be...
folks working together with the younger folks, ...
oure 'self', does a lot more, as to giving life, when it is 'self'less...
keep up the good work, and sharing life...
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Conrad
climber
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paying it forward
goodness abounds
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