Cruz Padilla

I climb because it makes me happy, and the way the moves make me feel is unreal.

1. What do you do when you are not climbing? (Other hobbies/ sports)

When I’m not climbing, I enjoy playing piano, poker, and air-soft guns.

2. If you had to name one thing that gets you totally psyched about climbing, what would that be?

The thing that gets me most psyched about climbing has to be competing and getting the opportunity to compete with the best of the best

3. What is the most memorable climb/ boulder problem that you have ever completed or attempted?

The most memorable climb I’ve ever done was the final climb at the 2019 youth D national championship, the day I became the national champ

4. Do you have any ongoing projects that are just driving you crazy?

At the moment, I have just recovered from an injury and am excited to find a good project that will give me the optimal climbing experience 

5. If you never discovered climbing, what would you be doing now?

If I had never discovered climbing, I would likely be into basketball

Photo: Matthew Hulet

6. Favorite music to send to!?

My favorite music to send to is hip hop music.

7. Climber that you most look up to?

Personally, I’ve never really had “a hero” that I’ve dreamt of being. I’m just psyched about the sport.

8. Top 3 Climbing locations?

If I had to pick my top three favorite climbing locations, they would be Wyoming (Tensleep), Joshua Tree, and Bishop.

9. Your favorite BetaLabs product.

My favorite BetaLabs product definitely has to be their chalk buckets. They are so convenient and easy to use with almost no spills! 

10. Why do you climb?

I climb because it makes me happy, and the way the moves make me feel is unreal. It’s like second nature to me and always has been.