By Zoey Grinstead
With the gyms closed and everyone given the order to stay at home, we at Touchstone Climbing are doing everything we can to stay positive, motivated, and active. Our routesetters are not shy to that last one. Every day they’re up and down ropes and ladders, constantly moving piles of rocks around; it can kind of seem like a blur, but out of it, we get the climbs from our setters that we all come to know and love (or hate). Zoey, one of the setters down in SoCal, took a moment to have a quick interview with some of our routesetters to help everyone get to know who is behind that tag.
Dylin Anthony Eulogio Cordova aka DC
Pronouns: He/Him & They/Them
Home Gym: Hollywood Boulders
How long have you been climbing and setting?
I have been climbing (on rocks and plastic rocks) for 13 years, and I’ve been putting plastic rocks on the wall for 12.
What inspired you to become a routesetter?
A free gym membership is what initially inspired me to start routesetting, only to now realize it’s the best way to live a climbing lifestyle within my means.
What is your favorite style of climbing, and how does that translate into your setting?
I enjoy all styles! The worse I am at something, the more I enjoy it. Small crimps on steep angles hold a very special place in my heart, as it’s very hard for me. It is incredibly fun when I try hard and surprise myself on something of that style. With this, the movement I find myself setting the most are usually from my experience climbing outdoors. They are mostly intended to help climbers make the transition from plastic to rock.
What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned setting at Touchstone Climbing?
Everyone is diverse and should be respected. You have to remember that not everyone fits into a standardized size.
How are you staying active and motivated during these times?
Hangboarding and stretching keep me psyched on returning to work, and climbing with more flexibility and stronger fingers than ever!
Do you have any inspirational words for everyone?
Power comes in response to a need, not a desire. You have to create that need.
Thank you Dylin! Stay safe, and hopefully I’ll see you soon.
Rebecca Vanegas aka BEX
Pronouns: She/Her
Home Gym: LA Boulders
How long have you been climbing and setting?
I started climbing in 2016, and have been setting for a little over a year.
What inspired you to become a routesetter?
I have been interested in setting since I started climbing. In the gym, I would notice the differences in styles and wonder about the creative process of setting an indoor problem. I thought it was a really cool job, and something I might have a knack for.
What is your favorite style of climbing, and how does that translate into your setting?
Probably delicate and technical, something that requires finger strength because I’m tall, not strong. That being said, I’ve consciously been seeking steep climbs with powerful and more dynamic movement lately, and I’m really enjoying it. With setting, I enjoy slowing climbers down. Trying to force off-balanced positions and precarious beta-intensive movement that is more difficult than it looks from the ground. I like to set in really weird (sometimes uncomfortable) small boxes. You’ll for sure find a high foot somewhere, even though it guarantees making the move more difficult for someone my size.
What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned setting at Touchstone Climbing?
Everything is a process and nothing is perfect the first time around.
How are you staying active and motivated during these times?
I’ve been doing a lot of core, training on the hangboard, yoga, and HIIT. Diversifying the types of exercise to keep it exciting. I’ve been forcing myself to move my body everyday, especially on the days I don’t want to get out of bed. It picks up my mood immediately. I’ve also been watching a lot of outdoor climbing videos, and daydreaming about pulling on real rocks is keeping me stoked.
Do you have any inspirational words for everyone?
It’s ok to feel anxious and unproductive. Don’t let your self-worth be tied to productivity.
