121: Mario Stanley- Mario tells us how he got into the outdoors, the climbing programs offered at HighPoint.
First Exposure to the Outdoors
Well, my first experience honestly was a boy scout trips years ago and I barely remember it. But my real major introduction to the outdoors is probably climbing with a buddy of mine a few years ago in the Wichita wildlife refuge, which is an area about three hours I want to say northwest of here in Lawton, Oklahoma. It's like a world renowned spot or at least it should be a world renowned spot as far as I'm concerned. but I hiked out to this area called Elk slabs and Sharon's garden and that was my real experience as far as introduction into rock climbing, camping, like the whole experience of the thing. It quite a few years ago, over 10 years ago. But it was awesome. I did my first route out there called great expectations. It was a long route, about 100 feet tall. It was 5.5 and at the time it was like completely wicked. I was blown away. I was losing my mind. I was like, this is what rock climbing is about. I'm in.
Things we talked about
REI
Black Velvet Canyon, Las Vegas
Advice, tips
The biggest thing is first and foremost get a low level job like working in REI or being an assistant guide. I'm a rare bird, the harder I work at my guiding company the more I am inspired to rock climb and for most people it's like working at a restaurant and the more you work at a restaurant and the more you don't like the food. You just don't want to do it.
So I find that some people really get burned out and I've watched really great climbers, enthusiastic people get into the business and get burned out because they just went hard right in the beginning. So my best advice is try it out. Whatever you're deciding, try it all out. Even the things that you like. I would never be interested in working as a Rep but if you are, just try it, try it for a little bit. If it doesn't work out for you, move on, but that's how you'll find what you love. And then you will start finding people and things that will set you in motion to pursue your dream or pursue whatever avenue you're going for. So that would be my best advice, take your time it's not a race.
Other Outdoor Activities
Sitting around the Camp Fire
Favorite Books/Apps
Kettleball Simple and Sinister by Pavel Tsatsouline
With Winning in Mind by Lanny Bassham
The Sweet Spot by Christine Carter
Best Gear Purchase under $100
Beyond Clothing 1/4 zip fleece
Connect with Mario
mario@highpointexpeditions.com
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