EP 259: Randy Leavitt
Feb 10, 2025
Randy Leavitt is a climbing pioneer, prolific route developer, pilot, and surfer. We talked about training on the Dune Cracks with Tony Yaniro, inventing the Leavittation offwidth technique, his journey from mountaineering to sport climbing, bolting Jumbo Love and other famous routes, why money equals freedom, his passion for surfing, reflections from almost drowning, aging gracefully, and much more.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!
Patreon:
Become a Patron
We are supported by these amazing BIG GIVERS:
Michael Roy and Mark and Julie Calhoun
Sponsors:
Rúngne:
👆 Win a year supply of Chalk from Rúngne
Use code “NUGGET” to get 15% off storewide.
AG1:
Use this link to get a free year's supply of vitamin D + 5 travel packs.
PhysiVantage:
physivantage.com (link includes 15% off coupon)
Use code "NUGGET15" at checkout for 15% off your next order.
Arc’teryx:
Check out the Psiphon and Serratus Alpine Kits launching January 15th.
YouTube:
The Nugget is on YouTube!
youtube.com/@thenuggetclimbing (SUBSCRIBE HERE)
Show Notes:
Related Podcast Episodes:
Randy’s Links:
Inertia 2 (film, Randy climbs Book of Hate)
Nuggets:
00:00:00 – Intro
00:01:12 – The Dune Cracks
00:05:52 – Offwidth climbing
00:09:17 – Traumatic hip belays
00:14:35 – Bolting Jumbo Love
00:20:01 – From mountaineering to sport climbing
00:26:03 – Book of Hate
00:31:11 – Planet Earth
00:33:39 – The first cell phones
00:39:47 – Money, freedom, & happiness
00:42:45 – Surfing vs. climbing
00:54:15 – The vision of new routing
00:56:52 – A new area in Baja
01:01:16 – Thinking ahead to 40
01:13:44 – Almost drowning
01:21:50 – Aging gracefully
01:27:54 – Hallux limitus
01:34:24 – Getting remodeled
01:39:21 – Piloting
01:49:55 – More route development
01:53:36 – The Grand Canyon
01:56:26 – Time
02:00:06 – Don’t squander your days