Member Spotlight November 2019

Deb King

Members since October 2016

Where did you grow up and how did you end up in the Pacific Northwest?

Deb: I grew up in the Bay Area, and first moved to the PNW after living on the Big Island for 4 years with my husband Jeff. We left the PNW for a couple years to live in Oslo, Norway, but came back to stay in 2000.

What’s the story behind your becoming a climber? How did you end up at Edgeworks?

Deb: The first time I came to Edgeworks was with Jeff, our sons and their Scout troop. Of course I was clueless on what I was doing, but I had a blast doing it! It wasn’t until January of last year that a friend of mine suggested we join EW to stay active in the winter. I’ve been coming ever since!

If you had to choose between bouldering, top rope or lead climbing as the only form of climbing you could do from here on out, what would you choose and why?

Deb: If I had to choose one form of climbing, it would be lead. I love the challenge it presents, and the total focus it requires.

What is one lesson you’ve learned as a climber that you would teach to your younger self who’s just starting out climbing?

Deb: In the two years I’ve been climbing, I’ve learned the importance of warming up before climbing hard, and not letting the route ratings dictate what I attempt, at least while on top rope!

Best part about Edgeworks?

Deb: Best part of Edgeworks is the people, of course. I love how friendly and laid back everyone is, both the employees and members. I am always impressed with the creativity and diversity of the routes – EW route setters do a great job keeping things interesting!

Could you tell us something about you that our community members might not know? What’s your jam outside of Edgeworks?

Deb: Something people might not know about me: I used to fly helicopters over active lava flows on the Big Island, and spent a summer flying over and landing on glaciers in Southeast Alaska. 

What’s your goal for the months ahead as far as climbing and fitness go?

Deb:  To become more experienced and confident in trad, learn multi pitch, and climb outside as much as possible. I had the chance to climb for a day in Joshua Tree in April, and would love to go back there next year and spend a lot more time exploring. I used to have the goal of climbing harder and harder routes in the gym, but now I realize that it’s not the number that counts the most, it’s enjoying whatever challenge the route has to offer.