The February 2021 edition of Common Climber is themed around rock climbing couples. Here we interview newer climbing couple Drew and Sarah Hulsey, who are based in Nashville, Tennessee. We learn how they approach climbing and life as a couple.
Every couple’s story has a beginning. Tell us about yours and where climbing fits into that.
SARAH: We initially met in 2014 - although Drew doesn’t remember this event. I thought he was cute and archived this thought apparently until we reconnected through Tinder in 2016 while I was visiting friends from college in Alabama.
DREW: We had definitely met before, but I honestly don’t remember meeting her. I just thought she was cute so I “super liked” her profile. She lived in Tennessee at that time so I had to start commuting for dates. We didn’t start climbing until after we were married. However - our first time climbing was our Valentine’s date in 2019.
SARAH: We initially met in 2014 - although Drew doesn’t remember this event. I thought he was cute and archived this thought apparently until we reconnected through Tinder in 2016 while I was visiting friends from college in Alabama.
DREW: We had definitely met before, but I honestly don’t remember meeting her. I just thought she was cute so I “super liked” her profile. She lived in Tennessee at that time so I had to start commuting for dates. We didn’t start climbing until after we were married. However - our first time climbing was our Valentine’s date in 2019.
How and when did the two of you start climbing?
DREW: We had just watched Free Solo and were really inspired to try climbing. It was more of my goal to at least try it. So we got a Groupon and went! I immediately fell in love with it. I loved that climbing was something we could do together.
SARAH: Watching Free Solo was nerve-racking to me as I had no awareness of anything climbing related and knew that Drew was getting excited about trying this sport while we were watching it. I was just along for the ride the first time we went. I enjoyed doing something challenging together and learning new skills together.
DREW: We had just watched Free Solo and were really inspired to try climbing. It was more of my goal to at least try it. So we got a Groupon and went! I immediately fell in love with it. I loved that climbing was something we could do together.
SARAH: Watching Free Solo was nerve-racking to me as I had no awareness of anything climbing related and knew that Drew was getting excited about trying this sport while we were watching it. I was just along for the ride the first time we went. I enjoyed doing something challenging together and learning new skills together.
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Do each of you have a favorite type or style of climbing?
DREW: I love leading and bouldering the most. I especially love doing those outside. SARAH: I enjoy being outdoors over the gym. Top roping and sport climbing are my favorites, but I am starting to enjoy bouldering at times. In Drew’s Instagram account it says, “Hey, I’m Drew and I’m trying to climb the best I can.” Drew sometimes shares some of his frustrations with climbing. What are some of the frustrations each of you have with climbing and how do those frustrations weave into you as a climbing couple? DREW:I think when I first started I was grade chasing all the time. Trying to get higher into grades. I found myself getting frustrated and totally in my head. I would be on the wall comparing myself to pros. Something that has helped me though is having a partner like Sarah. I think together we can talk about our frustrations. We work through those issues. I think at the end of the day climbing is fun and it is the most fun when we are doing it together. |
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SARAH: Most of my frustrations are usually around not being able to accomplish something. Which, let’s be honest, that’s half of what climbing is. I approach climbing as something I enjoy and with the emotional demand of my job I choose to not let climbing be a source of frustration for me. If it does, I step away for a bit or for the day and enjoy the time outdoors or with Drew supporting him. As a couple, frustration can bring some tension at times but ultimately it has been a way for us to support each other when we’re struggling. We learned how to communicate effectively when we first started belaying each other, which has been crucial in our sport climbing adventures.
Have you identified any differences in how each of you approach climbing and has that resulted in any arguments? How have you resolved it (or is that still a work in progress)?
DREW: I think one of the main differences about climbing as a couple is that climbing is more of my thing than Sarah’s. I want to go like three times a week. That means I won't always have my climbing partner with me. It has never led to arguments, but I think my passion for climbing is different than Sarah’s, and that is okay. I just want to have her in those special moments and those special milestones in my climbing journey.
SARAH: Drew is so right. Climbing is Drew’s passion and is a hobby of mine. I enjoy climbing because it is something active and makes me think through problems creatively. It is so unique in how each person is able to complete a route differently based on their body and ability. Since we started climbing while we were still newlyweds, I have had to navigate how to be okay with not being around every time Drew climbs. Thankfully Drew has been so gracious in understanding of what climbing looks like for us as a couple.
DREW: I think one of the main differences about climbing as a couple is that climbing is more of my thing than Sarah’s. I want to go like three times a week. That means I won't always have my climbing partner with me. It has never led to arguments, but I think my passion for climbing is different than Sarah’s, and that is okay. I just want to have her in those special moments and those special milestones in my climbing journey.
SARAH: Drew is so right. Climbing is Drew’s passion and is a hobby of mine. I enjoy climbing because it is something active and makes me think through problems creatively. It is so unique in how each person is able to complete a route differently based on their body and ability. Since we started climbing while we were still newlyweds, I have had to navigate how to be okay with not being around every time Drew climbs. Thankfully Drew has been so gracious in understanding of what climbing looks like for us as a couple.
Dre and Sarah scoping out a bouldering problem.
COVID has been a huge challenge for climbing. How has it impacted both of your climbing?
DREW: When COVID lock down happened I kind of felt lost. I didn't have my thing to go and do. This led to us getting a home wall to scratch that itch. We spent a lot of time in the garage when the gyms were closed. It also made me realize how essential climbing is to me.
SARAH: We were so bored when our gym shut down and quickly realized how important climbing is to both of us. We were so lucky to be able to build a wall in our garage. It has been a way for us to spend time doing what we love without having to drive to our gym after work (now that they are back open.)
DREW: When COVID lock down happened I kind of felt lost. I didn't have my thing to go and do. This led to us getting a home wall to scratch that itch. We spent a lot of time in the garage when the gyms were closed. It also made me realize how essential climbing is to me.
SARAH: We were so bored when our gym shut down and quickly realized how important climbing is to both of us. We were so lucky to be able to build a wall in our garage. It has been a way for us to spend time doing what we love without having to drive to our gym after work (now that they are back open.)
Do you have a climbing story that illustrates who you are as a couple?
DREW: I think when we first went outside by ourselves we had to trust each other, that we knew what we were doing. I don't think we exactly knew what we were doing, but we worked it out together. I was also terrified, so having her there was a plus.
SARAH: This adventure of learning how to climb outdoors has taught us both about what our learning styles are in real time. We were relying on each other in that moment and it solidified our trust in a new way.
DREW: I think when we first went outside by ourselves we had to trust each other, that we knew what we were doing. I don't think we exactly knew what we were doing, but we worked it out together. I was also terrified, so having her there was a plus.
SARAH: This adventure of learning how to climb outdoors has taught us both about what our learning styles are in real time. We were relying on each other in that moment and it solidified our trust in a new way.
Sarah bouldering with friends.
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Is there any advice you’d share for climbing couples out there?
DREW: Talk to each other! Check each others knots. Make sure you feel safe with who you are with. Climbing is already sketchy and dangerous. You want to feel safe. SARAH: COMMUNICATION, COMMUNICATION, COMMUNICATION! Whether you’re bouldering or sport or trad climbing, it is so important to feel safe with one another to say what you need in those moments, as well as sharing what you need to feel secure. Any last words or thoughts for the readers of Common Climber.
DREW: Have some fun! Climbing doesn't have to be serious all the time. Find you a partner that also has a solid attitude about climbing. If climbing isn't fun anymore take a step back. SARAH: Climb to climb! If you are not enjoying it then you may need to reevaluate your mindset. Be patient with yourself while you are learning. |
Drew and Sarah Hulsey have been together since 2016 and started climbing in 2019. Each is finding their own path with the sport.
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FOLLOW DREW AND SARAH
INSTAGRAM:
DREW: @drewclimbswalls
SARAH @thestrongsarah
INSTAGRAM:
DREW: @drewclimbswalls
SARAH @thestrongsarah