You know the guy. The one you’ve seen (literally) grow up right before your eyes and turn into quite the crusher in just a few short years. The one who is at the gym for hours on end, training daily. The one who was quickly picked up as an athlete ambassador by FrictionLabs with more sponsorships on the horizon. The one who is always super nice and stoked to share beta with you. If you don’t already know who we are talking about, then get to know Zack DeFazio, our November Member Spotlight!
Who Are You? How did it all begin?
My name is Zack DeFazio. I was born on July 28th, 1994 and have lived in Clayton, Calif. for most of my life with my mom, Tina and dad, Karl. As a kid, I was in theater and choir. At the age of five I started playing piano and consider myself a classical pianist. I graduated from Clayton Valley High School in 2012 and am currently attending Diablo Valley College majoring in Business.
How long have you been climbing?
My first time climbing was in the summer of 2012. I have been climbing for a little over three years.
How did you first find DRG?
The first time I climbed was at DRG when a friend, who was already a climber, introduced me to the sport. Within a couple months, I became a member.
We see you in the gym almost every day. What fuels your climbing/training?
My training is fueled by my competitive personality. I strive to be the best in everything I do, and with so many areas that a climber can improve in, there’s really no time to spare! I’m inspired by local climbers like Josh Luczynski, Connor Everton, Scott Cory, Ethan Pringle and all of the Touchstone route setters. Watching them climb humbles me and fuels my climbing and training.
What’s your most memorable climbing experience so far?
My most memorable climbing moment was actually my most memorable climbing day. After projecting The Impossible Wall (V8) at Mortar Rock in Berkeley for several weeks, I was able to get the send. Feeling good, that same day I went to Berkeley Ironworks to test my strength on ‘The Wave’ and managed to climb every problem there from V0-V11!
You’ve been competing a lot this year. You placed in the top 10 at each TCS bouldering comp and are currently ranked fifth overall. Will we see you in the finals at Dogpatch on November 21st?
The chances of making finals at Dogpatch Boulders isn’t good, but I’ll still show up and compete. The field of climbers competing is strong, with guys like Daniel Beall and Radu Popescu upping the ante, so in order to make finals I will need to climb to the best of my abilities. Then and only then, will I qualify for finals.
Who do you share the stoke with?
My parents are my biggest fans and always encourage me to do my best. Without them, I would not be where I am today. Local climbers and friends, Daniel Milanese and Steve Parks are always there to keep my stoke going and am grateful for their support. I also use my social media feeds on Facebook and Instagram to share my accomplishments.
What’s next for you?
Next is finishing my degree at DVC and furthering my education. I am currently trying to become a Touchstone Climbing route setter as well. Also, I have some hard outdoor projects lined up so hopefully in the near future I’ll be crushing some of my dream boulders.
What else do you like to do when not climbing?
Other hobbies of mine include skateboarding, basketball, hiking, reading TOPO’s, playing anything by Bach, Beethoven and Debussy on the piano, eating, watching television and movies, games such as Black-Ops Zombies, Halo, Clash of Clans, and some quality family time!
Any words of wisdom you’d like to share with the DRG community?
It basically comes down to how bad you want something. Not just for climbing but life. If you are stuck on a climb or anything else, identify your weaknesses and correct them. This is done through training, practice or studying and come back ready to conquer whatever you strive to achieve. Once you have accomplished that goal, then you must think to yourself, what’s next?
Come cheer Zack on at the last TCS2015 Bouldering Finale at Dogpatch on November 21st. We’re rooting for our boy to go all the way to finals! #teamdefazio #diablorockgym
