Levi Kallio
- AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
- SPRAT Level 1
- WFR
How and when did you get started climbing?
I started climbing in high school at Stone Age Climbing Gym in Albuquerque. I was running errands around town when I stumbled upon the gym and immediately was intrigued. Climbing once a week with friends evolved into climbing almost daily, thinking about climbs when I should have been thinking about class. A few months after I began climbing I got hired at Stone Age and have been climbing since!
What is your favorite style/type of climbing?
Sport Climbing or Bouldering. Currently I am sitting on top of a sport crag where I was climbing earlier today.
What makes climbing/guiding so special to you?
To put it simply, climbing is my life. When I get the chance to guide, I have the ability to show people how special climbing can be. A lot can be learned about oneself when out working a climb.
What are your most difficult/proudest/favorite sends?
A special send to me was when I sent “The Gift” in Red Rock. When I was newer to climbing I took a trip there and was shut down by this climb. It was clear to me that this was way over my head. A few years and many climbs went by before I returned to this climb. A few days work and many attempts went by before all my work paid off. Sending was a great feeling seeing progression from where I started.
What are some goals for your future?
– Climb for the next month in Wild Iris.
– Open a business in sustainable agriculture.
– Possibly look into guiding in the Tetons.
– Eat what’s left in my cooler tonight before it spoils.
What do you feel comfortable guiding?
Trad – 5.9 or down, Sport 5.11d or down, Bouldering – Any grades.
Do you have a favorite quote or personal mantra?
Mountains are neither fair or unfair, just an uncertain adventure.
Name 5 things that make you happy.
- Friends/Family
- Climbing (Obvious)
- Local food
- The Great Outdoors
- Camper vans
Tell us something about yourself that isn’t climbing related.
I’m struggling here…
Tell us something about someone else at Suntoucher that you find interesting.A
When I look down the list of the people included in this email (the ones I know, and it’s safe to assume about the ones I don’t also), all of them are hard working, dedicated, and fun loving people. I am lucky to be able to be associated with each of them.