Katrine Vandet Salling
Introduction
My name is Katrine, I’ve been obsessed with climbing since the very first time I first put on a harness and went up on a climbing wall.
Your climbing story:
Ironically, I’ve grown up in the flattest country in the world, yet what I enjoy most of all is to move vertically up large cliffs, mountains, and walls. I tried climbing first time on a transportable wall put up on the street, it was winter, I was 10 years old. A few months later, I went on my first outdoor climbing trip to Sardegna with the climbing association that turned out to become my 2nd home for the next 10 years of my life. I have been competing and climbing outdoor ever since.
For the past 10 years I’ve mainly trained for competitions. I’ve travelled the world to train and compete in the World Cup, European and World championships, and local competitions in weird places. But my focus is shifting, I enjoy spending time outside, rock climbing and seeking adventure more than anything else.
Connection with Nature Climbing:
Since I first set foot in a climbing gym, a lot has happened not only to the world in general, but also specifically to the climbing industry. As with much else, climbing has been capitalized at such a rapid pace that it is almost impossible as a consumer to figure out whose hearts beats for the sport of climbing and the environment. Two absolute core values for me. It is more important than ever before, that companies consider production, materials, quality, and sustainability. Working together with Nature Climbing means working with people that I have known since day one. A brand whose values completely align with mine. That is something I highly appreciate.
Favorite Gear:
I’ve dealt with finger injuries a lot in the recent years. Therefore, one thing I care a lot about is finger training and warm up! The Stone Hanger is the perfect tool to use both indoor and outdoor for me. I use it every day for warm up and training.
Climbing Goals:
For years I’ve been thinking about all the rock climbing goals I’ve put off until I’m no longer competing. The time has come! In august 2024 I will go on my first longer rock climbing road trip (6 months) and I can’t wait to sink deep into the process of pushing my limits and trying harder routes than I’ve ever tried before. I’m going to train hard and go on many shorter trips until then. And I can’t wait to see what new tools Nature Climbing comes up with that I can use to get ready for the trip.
Tips and Insights:
My motto is: Don’t think too much about it, just do it. Just going for something that feels equally scary, uncomfortable, unforeseeable, and that you don’t know how will end up, is, in my experience, what usually gets us to the place we need to grow as people and as climbers. As I get older, I’ve become less afraid of failing. Failing no longer exists at all. Everything I do brings me forward.