EP 81: Hazel Findlay
August 9, 2021
Photo: Cameron Maier
Hazel Findlay is a professional climber and mental training coach from the UK, known for her boldness on dangerous and difficult trad routes. We talked about common themes in mental coaching, how the ego manifests in our climbing, supporting your partners, fear of falling, and Hazel’s mental approach while projecting the legendary ‘Magic Line’, her first 5.14c. You can learn more about Hazel at hazel-findlay.com
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts
Check out other episodes with Hazel:
Follow-Up: Hazel Findlay (June 19, 2023)
Check out Reflections to hear more from Hazel!
Support the Podcast:
Become a Patron:
ClimbWell Retreat:
“NUGGET10” for 10% discount!
Hazel’s Podcast:
Resources:
Hazel and Mina talk about mental training - The Curious Climber Podcast
Hazel talks with Arno Ilgner - The Curious Climber Podcast
The Nugget EP 67 w/ Heth Jennings
Films:
Reel Rock 15 – Mongolia with Maddie, and Lonnie’s ascent of Magic Line
Routes Mentioned:
‘Magic Line’ 5.14c, Yosemite, CA
‘Cosmic Debris’ 5.13b, Yosemite, CA
‘El Corazón’ 5.13b, El Cap, Yosemite, CA
‘Freerider’ 5.13a, El Cap, Yosemite, CA
Hazel’s Links:
Nuggets:
5:00 – Talking across time zones, and Hazel’s home in Wales
7:00 – Masters studies, Brexit + covid, and Hazel’s lifestyle these days
9:33 – Being trapped on the ferry curing covid
11:25 – Weather in Wales
16:11 – Priorities, balancing climbing, coaching, and school, and doing stuff that involves others
20:52 – Coaching is asking questions, and helping people figure out what they want and how they can get there
25:27 – The ego
27:42 – How the ego manifests in our climbing, and loosening our attachment to outcomes
30:52 – Patron Question from Tyler: What type of people are most likely to seek coaching?
33:42 – Patron Question from Tyler: Differences between men and women (in general) when it comes to fear of falling
37:05 – Patron Question from Tyler: Advice when supporting someone who is working on their mental game?
40:37 – More resources on fear of falling
41:32 – Patron Question from Kellen: Differences between advanced and new climbers when it comes to mental training needs.
43:17 – Patron Question from Will: How to balance between confidence vs. cockiness, and cultural differences in confidence
48:46 – Magic Line description
54:51 – Hazel’s mental practice while climbing Magic Line
58:18 – Jasna’s email, and what inspired Hazel about Magic Line
1:04:19 – Question from Jasna: How did Hazel prepare for the possibility of failure?
1:07:37 – Keeping your head and climbing better
1:08:40 – Daily mental practices
1:11:20 – Hazel’s thoughts on the lack of publicity of Magic Line
1:15:17 – Patron Question from Jen: Any advice from Hazel’s shoulder surgery and recovery?
1:24:03 – Patron Question from AnnaMarie: Most memorable climb?
1:25:03 – Next El Cap route?
1:25:56 – Escaping to Greece during covid, and her upcoming trip to the states
1:29:14 – How to connect with Hazel
1:30:18 – Gratitude