Meet the Community: Ed
What is your name? Ed Mitchell
How did you get introduced to climbing? My mum and dad used to be climbers, and I always enjoyed the sport. I really got into it about 7 years ago when an indoor wall opened locally to me.
Where is your favourite place to climb? Probably back home at the wall where I learnt, sorry Boulders!*
Describe your best climbing experience! Where was it, when was it, with whom and why? Probably when I sent my first 7a lead clean, it was last summer with my boss about 5 minutes before the centre opened and I had to start teaching. It was also the same day it was being stripped and changed!
What's your favourite piece of climbing kit and why? Okay, slightly odd choice and not necessarily "climbing gear" but my peak designs screw mount for my DSLR. Now, you're definitely thinking that's not climbing kit but as I really like climbing photography it allows me to reliably attach my camera without risk of it falling of my harness and breaking. So, I guess that and prussik cord.
Why do you climb? Because I never really got into team sports - I like the individuality of it when it comes to getting better. Never really been a fan of competing.
What would your advice be to someone thinking about trying climbing for the first time? Go for it! The community is lovely so even if you don’t like the climbing you may make some friends.
What's your favourite food? I don't think I have a favourite, but I am a fan of my mum’s pasta bake.
What’s your #1 most played song? Currently its probably ‘Young and Menace’ by Fall Out Boy, but last year it was probably a Billy Eilish song
What is the last book you read? ‘The Republic of Thieves’ by Scott Lynch. It's a really good series and I would 100% recommend reading the first book. It's a fantasy crime series. I am currently reading The Code Book by Simon Singh which is a history book on code breaking.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? Probably Korea at the moment as I am making a vain attempt to learn it during this lock down.
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why? Um hard question! Probably Jimmy Chin to learn how to be a better outdoor photographer and see how he sets up his equipment.
What would be your perfect day? Waking up at home in bed, having a relaxed morning before going climbing with friends either indoor or outdoor. Then coming home to have dinner with my gf and watch a movie. That or a similar day out on a ski slope!
Fun Fact about you? I can make my belly roll? I've been skydiving (as in exited the plane) 20 times.
Please feel free to share some information about what you do - plug your business, your work, your fundraising, your Instagram, anything! If you hadn't guessed I like climbing photography and have an Instagram @ed.mitchell.photography. Come check it out 😀
*We don’t mind Ed!