Meet the Community: James

A picture of James’ favourite place to boulder

What is your name? James Pembroke

How did you get introduced to climbing? University club

Where is your favourite place to climb? Font and Peak

Describe your best climbing experience! Where was it, when was it, with whom and why? Probably Travaux Force at Gorge aux Chats in Fontainebleau. 3rd session, mid morning and just nailing it before the sun came round onto the face.

What's your favourite piece of climbing kit and why? Beastmaker. Been my best friend for years and especially during lockdown. And La Sportiva Katanas. They fit perfectly and I’ve had so many pairs. It’s like they were made specifically for my feet.

Why do you climb? I can switch off and just concentrate purely on climbing. I run a lot too but I never completely switch off when I run. Plus, it’s a great buzz when you hit that top hold.

What would your advice be to someone thinking about trying climbing for the first time? Get shoes that fit!

What's your favourite food? Bowl of chilli.

What’s your #1 most played song? At the moment it’s probably 'After Earth' by Ben Böhmer. But all time, 'The Cutter' by Echo and the Bunnymen.

What is the last book you read? 'Underland' by Robert MacFarlane and 'The Plot Against America' by Phillip Roth

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? Right now, my Dad’s little house in the Provençal mountains, on the edge of the Verdon Gorge. Been going there for 25 years but never get tired of it. It’s the ultimate hideaway and it’s jaw-droppingly beautiful.

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why? My friend Richard who died this year. Because of lockdown I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye.

What would be your perfect day? Probably either a day on gritstone with my daughter Martha (she’s just started at Sheffield Uni) or with the family at our favourite Font campsite, bouldering and slacklining, or sat on the terrace at my Dad’s place, watching the sun set over the Verdon with a glass of wine.

Fun Fact about you? I have a Ph.D in granites

Please feel free to share some information about what you do - plug your business, your work, your fundraising, your Instagram, anything! Work for a great software company (www.insighttracking.com) and you can find me ranting about data on twitter @jpembroke.