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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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mareko
Trad climber
San Francisco
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Hey Cory,
It's Mark from last Saturday. I was at the top the Sherri's crack when you topped out. Congrats on the climb. Keep climbing strong and in no time you'll summit El Cap.
Paul,
Thanks for the topo on Superslacker. pretty cool climb.
Mark
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Dick Danger
Trad climber
Lakewood, Colorado
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Excellent! The kid is a natural. He's lucky to have you. Wish I had something I could contribute beyond this.
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JEleazarian
Trad climber
Fresno CA
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Very cool, Paul! Unfortunately, no approach shoes to offer, but I'll look and see what else I may have lying around. In the meantime, if you need to borrow anything, give me a call.
John
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PAUL SOUZA
Trad climber
Central Valley, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 4, 2013 - 03:33pm PT
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Holy smokes! You all are so awesome! The awesomeness of the climbing community never ceases to impress me!
Edit: can he wear a size 71/2? Does he have a high volumne or low volumne foot?
Lynnie, I think he's wearing a size 6 or 6.5 in womens right now. The Scarpa Technos
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.
I had those in mind, but the REI used gear is a couple months away.
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
You are too kind! E-mail sent.
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.
I'll find out. Thanks!
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michaeld
Sport climber
Sacramento
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Thanks Paul for doing this!
You're changing that Kids life.
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zip
Trad climber
pacific beach, ca
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Paul,
E mail responded to.
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nature
climber
Boulder, CO
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right on zip! you all are awesome.
thanks for the share...
I guess that's one way to get a rope gun - grow one :)
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Mees
climber
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You're a wonderful person to do this. Cory is a natural!
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Vitaliy M.
Mountain climber
San Francisco
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Good for you participating in Big Brothers program. Will keep an eye out for gear.
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Levy
Big Wall climber
So Cal
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What you are doing for him is priceless. Introducing a young person to the outdoors at an early life can lead to a lifetime love affair with the mountains & nature. I have recently considered mentoring someone like Corey & your post came at the right time.
You are doing a wonderful thing Paul, thanks for all of us!
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drljefe
climber
El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson
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What an awesome post.
You're making such a positive impact on that grom's life.
Good for you!
Keep it up.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Huge bump for you, Paul.
Let us know what else Cory might need.
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Gene
climber
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Paul,
Sent you a PM but just realized I have a helmet that may fit the lad. Please let me know if it's needed.
Safety first blah, blah, blah.
You both are awesome!
g
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mareko
Trad climber
San Francisco
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Hey Paul,
I know you're not asking for any hand outs for Cory, but PM me and let me know what's on his wish list. I have so much gear I may have a few things and can pass over to our next generation of younger climbers.
Mark
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Leggs
Sport climber
Home away from Home
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Hi Paul,
This is fantastic... thank you for sharing this.
I received a wonderful gift card (rock) at Xmas for the local climbing shop here. I would love to offer that gift to Cory. PM me and let me know how I can make that happen.
~peace
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Al_Smith
climber
San Francisco, CA
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Utterly fantastic man. That there is what its all about
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Beautiful_Corn
Big Wall climber
Brooklyn Park, MD
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Thanks for posting this. Because of this thread, I am now filling out an application to be a Big Brother.
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Mark Hudon
Trad climber
Hood River, OR
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Paul, would a pair of 37 Mythos fit him? I have a brand spanking new pair I'll give to him if they fit.
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limpingcrab
Trad climber
the middle of CA
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Your beard is so perfect that it looks like you're wearing one of those beanies with the built in beard
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happiegrrrl
Trad climber
www.climbaddictdesigns.com
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THIS is the sort of thread that makes Supertopo the best climbers forum on earth.
One vote for this thread in the newsletter, and a big thumbs up to Souza!
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limpingcrab
Trad climber
the middle of CA
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Thanks for posting this. Because of this thread, I am now filling out an application to be a Big Brother.
Rad
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PAUL SOUZA
Trad climber
Central Valley, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 5, 2013 - 07:00pm PT
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Thanks to everyone for their generosity!
I'll put a list together when I have more time and people can volunteer for items on the list. That way I don't get a bunch of the same stuff.
Thanks again everyone! I'm proud to be a part of this awesome community and to bring a new padawan in.
Cheers!
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PAUL SOUZA
Trad climber
Central Valley, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 5, 2013 - 07:58pm PT
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Thanks for posting this. Because of this thread, I am now filling out an application to be a Big Brother.
AWESOME!!
Let me know if you have any questions!
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PAUL SOUZA
Trad climber
Central Valley, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 5, 2013 - 08:05pm PT
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Here's a preliminary list...
Climbing Shoes: Mark Hudon
Approach Shoes: Zip
Helmet: Gene
Belay with : ELM
Rain Jacket: Johnny
Rain Pants
Cool climbing shirts
Cleaning tool: Mareko
Extra Biners:
Books: Mark Sensenbach
Set of Nuts: Calico Jack
Cam: Ralphy
Let me know what you want to donate and I'll update this list. If you want to send money, you can PayPal me at plsouza82@gmail.com. I will post up what I buy with photos if you send money.
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Gene
climber
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Paul,
How do we get the stuff to you?
g
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ELM !
climber
Near Boston
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"Belay with locker" is mine let me know how to get to to you. I thank you for giving a boy in need an appreciation of the climbing and the outdoors!!
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PAUL SOUZA
Trad climber
Central Valley, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 5, 2013 - 10:44pm PT
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I will email each person with my contact info and mailing address. if anyone needs any reassuance as to who i am or my character, Mark Hudon, John Elazearian, and Cragman can vouche for me.
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Mark Hudon
Trad climber
Hood River, OR
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No worries about Paul, that's for sure!
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Mark Sensenbach
climber
CA
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Paul I can donate a few books I think he would like and a cool t-shirt.
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mareko
Trad climber
San Francisco
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Paul,
I have an extra nut tool. I'll go through my gear and check for extra stuff I can pass on Cory.
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NorCalNomad
Trad climber
San Francisco
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Props to you for contributing to a great cause/ organization (Big Brothers)
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PAUL SOUZA
Trad climber
Central Valley, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 6, 2013 - 04:59pm PT
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I apologize for not getting back to people promptly. I don't have internet at home and am busy with grad school midterms.
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CalicoJack
climber
CA
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This is awesome! Let's get this dude's rack started. How about a set of nuts? PM me the address & I'll send em out tomorrow. Very touched by your work man.
Cheers,
Andy
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Johnny K.
climber
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Paul,sent you a pm regarding some items,cheers!
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Put me in your backup list, please. I have stuff and would love to help.
Cheers for the incredible love this planet has to offer when we come together . Oh Yeah, and Smiles, lynnie
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micronut
Trad climber
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Right on Paul. ST community at it's best. You know where to find me if you need gear in the kid range of course.
See you at the gym soon.
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nature
climber
Boulder, CO
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"Belay with locker"
no No NO! I strongly advise against letting him belay with locker. Though maybe he'll kick down a free resole so why knot.
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Ralphy
Trad climber
Green Honda Element
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This is what it's all about! Paul, seriously good on you man. I wish I had some shoes small enough to give but I'm afraid they would all be way too big. I do have a pretty nice wild country cam I would be happy to donate, just shoot me an email when you get a chance.
I think this is the best thread I have seen on here yet. I cant imagine how awesome of an experience this must be for that kid, you are without a doubt changing his life in such an awesome way.
Major props,
Alex
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PAUL SOUZA
Trad climber
Central Valley, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 7, 2013 - 09:32pm PT
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I updated the gear list. If you're on the list and haven't received an e-mail from me with a shipping address, please shoot me an e-mail.
Also, we'll be doing some hiking and backpacking this summer. If you come across anything that would be useful, such as a compass, topo maps of Yosemite, survival kit type stuff, please post up.
Thanks again! You are all so awesome! Even those who weren't able to contribute gear.
Cheers!
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mareko
Trad climber
San Francisco
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Mar 12, 2013 - 02:37pm PT
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Paul,
Gear being mailed by the end of the week.
Mark
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PAUL SOUZA
Trad climber
Central Valley, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 12, 2013 - 07:57pm PT
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Awesome!
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micronut
Trad climber
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Mar 12, 2013 - 08:33pm PT
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Paul,
Its me the "dad" talking now, but you should really have him sit down and write a nice thank you, by name, to the Supertopo folks who helped him out. Its a great excercise we do for our kids and it would be good for him to grasp the kindness poured out on him by these strangers. He needs to attach grattitude to this stuff. And you could post the letter here and let him see what folks say. Just a thought. Actually no....MAKE him do this...its the right thing for him.
See you soon, I have your mini trax, maybe I'll write you a thank you letter!
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gimmeslack
Trad climber
VA
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Mar 12, 2013 - 09:22pm PT
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Simply awesome...
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PAUL SOUZA
Trad climber
Central Valley, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 12, 2013 - 11:15pm PT
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Scott,
I was already planning on it. ;)
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Gene
climber
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Mar 23, 2013 - 08:41pm PT
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Paul,
Check your email. Thanks.
Cheers,
g
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PAUL SOUZA
Trad climber
Central Valley, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 9, 2013 - 11:30am PT
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Hey everyone, just wanted to give ya all an update. I have received all the gear from those who donated and I am beyond amazed at the generosity of fellow SuperTopoians. I’ve been pretty busy lately with grad school and am going to write up a TR of our recent trips to the Valley. Cory is beyond thankful and psyched!
Stay tuned for a new series of TRs on here!
Cheers!
-Paul Souza
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Vegasclimber
Trad climber
Las Vegas, NV.
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Hey Paul!
Awesome to hear that you guys are getting out and after it. I'm really looking forward to the TRs! Thanks again for what you've done for this young man, and thanks to the Taco community for helping make it happen!
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