BIOGRAPHY
Jordan is an avid outdoors person who grew up in a small town in Connecticut. He started very young with skiing, quickly moving into snowboarding, as that was the rad thing to do back in the day, and was introduced to rock climbing at his local YMCA day camp. Since then, those two sports have been his main passion.
He moved to Waltham, MA in August of 2021 from CT. Initially, he was not very involved in the New England climbing community, but the more time spent at the gym, the more he realized how vast the community was. The only thing, it was very white. It seemed strange that the diversity of the Boston area seemed to not be reflected in the climbing community. This was even more apparent the more days he spent out in Rumney and attended festivals in the area.
He joined the Western Mass Climbers Coalition and became vice chair of the JDEI Committee. He then joined the Appalachian Mountain Club, became an assistant within the local chapters rock program, and helped put together BIPOC climbing events in New England. The issue was it was still just him. Even with all these initiatives why was there still not a lot of representation? Are there people within the BIPOC community who may not be comfortable learning from someone who is white? Could this be the barrier? So he searched for mountain guides, leaders, professionals of African descent in the climbing community of New England. To his dismay, there are none. Could this be it? Could this be the reason the climbing community of New England isn't diverse? How could we expect those to want to be a part of our community when there isn’t even a leader or professional who looks like them and can be a mentor? This is why he wants to embark on a journey to become a mountain guide. To show that we as a climbing community do welcome all and we do elevate those that have been historically undeserved.
What was your first climbing experience?
At the age of 12 my first climbing experience was at my local day camp where there is a crag on the property situated under power lines called electric rock. There is an amazing but dirty face that's about 40 feet tall that sits in the shade. This is where I conquered my fear of heights and fell in love with climbing.
What is your favorite type of climbing?
My favorite type of climbing is trad climbing. Though, ice climbing is a very close second.
Any style of climbing that you particularly dislike?
I don't necessarily dislike it, but I am not too fond of bouldering. I do however respect and understand its place in climbing. Also slab climbing.
Where are your favorite areas to climb?
There are many spots in New England I enjoy climbing.
Hanging Mountain in Massachusetts
The Gunks
Rumney, NH
Tell us about your all-time favorite climb.
Oh gosh, my favorite climb would have to have been with my good friend and climbing partner Dom. In the summer of 2022 we did the classic multi-pitch climb Lakeview on Cannon Mountain in Franconia Notch, New Hampshire. By no means the most difficult route but just the sheer magic and grace and understanding of the rock as you climb through history is hard to beat.
Why do you climb?
I climb because it is freeing, I climb because it is a challenge, I climb because it brings me peace within myself.
What other hobbies/interests do you have?
Ultimate Frisbee, Mountain Biking, Board Games, Video Games
What or who inspires you?
My good friend Kumi, She is an amazing inspiration to me for so many reasons. She has overcome many obstacles and has so much passion for making the outdoor community more diverse. She is not afraid to speak her mind and is such an advocate for those who do not have a voice.
Tell us about your dream vacation.
New Zealand, Climb and Snowboard in the morning and at the beach by the afternoon.
Favorite post-send meal?
Eggplant Parm, nothing beats this meal period!
What are your long-term climbing goals?
Long term climbing goals to be a proponent in diversifying the climbing community, become a proficient 5.11a trad climber, and to earn my IFMGA Mountain Guide Pin.
Anything else we should know?
I may not be sending the hardest routes, but I have the passion of one who does, and the passion to make a more diverse and inclusive climbing community within New England and beyond.
