JOSHUA HAYNES -USA-

I find that it's important for me to have a good balance of all styles.

A friend I worked with at the time invited me to go rock climbing with him. I hesitantly said yes but was instantly hooked once I'd climbed my first route. I feel climbing is a perfect combination of mental toughness a physical fitness, and it's always amazing to be outside as much as possible. Climbing is one of the few things I've found that actually feeds my soul. Surfing is a close second.

I don't remember really having a role model as a kid, aside form Voltron: Defender of the Universe of course. I certainly don't consider myself a role model but hope that I've been a positive influence for people, more than a negative one.

The thing with climbing achievements, is that so many of them can feel like a milestone at the time. For me, anyway, I feel like anytime I send a "project", regardless of the grade, I've achieved a new milestone within myself. I know that's all sound a bit philosophical, but it's true for me. There are certainly things I've done that I feel proud about, but it's the experiences that really stick with me.

I've been fortunate enough to not have had any major injuries or setbacks in regard to climbing, but I've certainly had my share of life setbacks. Every setback I have encountered has helped shaped me into who I am today, and I will forever be grateful for that.

I feel like there are too many to be able to pick just one. For me, it's all about the people I've met and climbed with through the years. My absolute best memories are ones like laughing with my partner on the side of the Grand Wall, or belaying my partner as they send their first 5.12, or playing "are they... in a relationship, partners, or friend zoned" in the parking lot of Red Rocks. I'm forever grateful to every single person I've met along the way, you have all made this life pretty amazing.

As a full-time routesetter it's hard to have a real serious training schedule. I try to make the best of the time I get, but most importantly, I really try to listen to my body. I will definitely sneak in a hangboard work out or moonboard session when my body feels up to it.

Listen to your body, and no matter what... don't overdo it. Injuries from overtraining are the WORST.

Indoor gyms are great. They give you a consistent place to climb and train, and have directly helped progress the sport to what it is today. For me personally, there's no substitute for the outdoors, though.

Yes and yes.

Every success I've had climbing has been due to hard work. I'm not the most naturally gifted climber, so I've really had to out in the time and effort to get to where I am.

We're all born with different genetics, and that means we all different limitations. I think with hard work and dedication, everyone can achieve their max.

I think goals are very important for all things. Everyone has their own methods of setting and achieving goals, so I think it's important to stay true to what works for you. Personally, I have a few climbing related goals that are less about physical strength and more about knowledge and mental preparedness. I also have a main goal to continue to find ways to get stronger and stay healthy, while full-time setting.

In the past, I would sometimes get so frustrated with myself, that I would have to walk away from the project for a bit. Over the years I've mellowed out a bit and have learned to appreciate the process a lot more.

This is hard to answer now, due to the covid-19 pandemic. The industry was progressing and becoming seen as much more of a legit sport. Hopefully once life starts to get back to normal, that progression will pick up where it left off.

Hopefully it will continue to rise and be viewed as a true "professional" sport.