Member Spotlight: Aaron and Hazel
We love our Gecko family - and today we’d like to introduce you to two familiar faces you have likely seen hanging around together at Gecko. Meet Aaron and his daughter Hazel! They’ve been part of the community at Gecko Climbing Gym since we first opened our doors, and they’re part of what makes Gecko so special. They started climbing together when we opened three years ago, and it’s been so cool to see them get stronger as climbers together.
We interviewed these two to learn a little more about them and why they climb. Next time you see them at the gym, make sure to say hi!
What is a personal climbing (or related) goal of yours?
Aaron: Be able to send most Gecko 5.10 lead routes by the end of 2024.
Hazel: One climbing goal of mine is to not outgrow my 3 pairs of climbing shoes, or else my dad won't let me climb any more.
Why do you climb?
Aaron: I climb to have a break from the daily grind, compliment mountain biking as physical exercise, and to spend time with Hazel (and more of my family when they come). It's good for my soul to get away from life's stresses and to be present in the moment with a problem to solve around people trying to do something similar.
Hazel: Climbing is really the first sport I've done. I did dance for 3 years and one season of gymnastics, but clearly those didn't stick. It had been a while since I'd done any sport and one day I went up to my dad and told him I wanted to try rock climbing. This was before Gecko had opened. He looked into it and saw that there was a climbing gym opening in a few months. I got so excited and couldn't wait so one Sunday my dad, my older brother, and I went to check the place out and see if we could help out to somehow speed up the process so it would open sooner. When we arrived all the walls were already constructed and bare, not a hold in sight. We asked the owner, Chris, if we could sweep the floors or do anything to help out and he tasked us with painting the kid wall. And that's how we spent our Sunday afternoon and the gym opened a couple of months later. All my family started out climbing, my mom and dad as well as my 3 siblings and I. After not even one month my dad broke his ankle bouldering and therefore couldn't climb while he healed. As the months passed slowly our climbing family dwindled to just me and then when my dad got better he continued climbing and we've been doing it ever since. Those few months did cost him some time he could have used to outclimb me but unfortunately, he hasn't been able to surpass my flexibility and just general more natural coordination. It does pain me to say that now and then he sends a route before me though clearly, it's because of his height. Just kidding, you're getting better Dad. I climb because it's all about my skill level and pushing myself, I'm not letting anyone down if I lose. You can always progress in climbing, there's never an endpoint, and there are so many places in the world you can access once you learn to climb.
Who/what inspires you?
Aaron: The outdoors, and especially mountains, give me a sense of awe, stillness, and adventure. I love how beauty comes from irregular shapes in nature and time can sometimes stand still or rush by depending on the situation. My greatest memories come from being outdoors with people I've come to care about.
Hazel: My dad. He pushes me because I always have to be better. He stole my tactic though. When he can't get a route, I always tell him either "one more time" or "I'm not letting you down til you get that move." There is a 5.10 in the cave that was really frustrating me because of one move. He had already passed me and was a few clips ahead of me in his progress and I was really disappointed in myself. I tried for weeks to get that one move to no avail. I tried all the beta people suggested but it didn't get me past the move. One day he stole my line and told me I had to get the next hold or I would be stuck up there, so I did. And I got it with static beta that no one else had done, even though it was a bit sloppy I got it. Love you Dad, and thanks for always pushing me.
How do you like to spend your time when you're not climbing?
Aaron: Mountain biking, making pizza, playing with family, and tinkering in the garage.
Hazel: I like reading, watching movies and shows, and absolutely whooping my brother's butts in both Mario Kart and Food Mess. I also enjoy art of any form and shopping online for endless outfits.
What advice would you give to a brand new climber, entering the gym or crag for the very first time?
Aaron: Talk to people and know just about everyone is there to help each other regardless of their level.
Hazel: Even if it feels hard or scary, keep at it and give it more tries. Ask for help when you need it, everyone is very kind and eager to share, I've yet to meet someone at Gecko who isn't.
What is your favorite Arizona destination (any kind), and why do you love it?
Aaron: I don't have just one. Just about anywhere that's remote and awe-inspiring. I've seen a lot of places on climbing, hiking, and biking adventures, but there are never-ending places to explore in Arizona. Some of my favorite places right now are the north rim of the Grand Canyon for its grandeur and remoteness, West Clear Creek for its unsuspecting beauty, Black Canyon Trail because I've combined mountain biking and rock climbing there, and the hills of Sonoran Preserve for their familiarity and closeness.
Hazel: It's so hard to pick just one, Arizona has such a variety of outdoor adventures, but I'll say Atlantis. I recently went for the first time and loved it.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with the Gecko community?
Aaron: Keep climbing!
Hazel: Thanks for being so inclusive and cheering us on!
