Growing up surrounded by mountain vistas and instilled with a deep-seated appreciation for nature by his family, 21-year-old Pere Borrell found himself inexorably drawn into the embrace of the great outdoors. His insatiable thirst for adventure and sporting challenges propelled him into the captivating realm of climbing, a pursuit that not only captured his heart but also shaped his identity.
In the following passages, Pere opens up about his transformative journey and offers introspective reflections on the boundless wonders of the outdoor world.
How did you get into the outdoor world and what role has it played in your life?
Pere takes us back to his roots in Pallars Sobirà and the influence of his father on his foray into the outdoor world.
Pere: “Hello, my name is Pere and I’m 21 years old now. I got into the outdoor world thanks to my father, who has always loved the mountains, especially climbing. Since I was very young, my parents bought a house in Alins, a small village in Pallars Sobirà. We spent all the vacations we could there, and being a village in the Alt Pirineu, our daily life revolved around enjoying outdoor activities: hiking, skiing, climbing, via ferratas, some canyoning, rafting…
When I was 9 years old, my family signed me up for La Panxa del Bou, a climbing gym in Sabadell where I started my first training sessions, and from there I began to enter the world of climbing and to go on my first outdoor climbing trips.”
What is your favorite adventure sport and why?
Pere shares how climbing became more than just a sport, becoming a lifestyle that constantly challenges and motivates him.
Pere: “My favorite sport is climbing. When I signed up, it didn’t take me more than 5 minutes to know that it was the sport I would practice for the rest of my life. Climbing has made me many friends, I have been able to enjoy the mountains, and I have been able to challenge myself on routes I never imagined I could do, and I think that’s the most beautiful thing about climbing, that you fight against yourself: it’s a battle between the rock and your mind, and sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, but you know that wall will always be there and you can always come back… ;).”
Could you share your best memory or experience practicing this sport?
Among Pere’s most cherished memories is an experience shared with his family, where climbing became a bond that united generations in the majesty of Montserrat.
Pere: “One of my best memories of climbing was last year, when I was able to climb a long route in Montserrat with my grandfather, my father, and my sister, and we all made it.
Without a doubt, it’s one of my favorite moments in this sport.”
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the outdoor sector (or your sport) today?
Pere reflects on the inherent challenges of climbing, from managing fear to respecting nature, and how these aspects can affect the safe practice of this sport.
Pere: “The biggest challenges it faces are, first of all, fear. There are many times when the route has complicated sections and the safety points are far away, so there are big falls. These are moments when there is a certain degree of commitment and they must be managed, although most of the time the falls in sport climbing are very clean.
Secondly, a lot of patience is also required, as sometimes we face routes that are complicated for our level and require a lot of practice and specific training to be able to do them, and we can’t give up at the first setback.
Lastly, I think it’s a sport that has experienced a “boom” in recent years and there are many new people without previous experience in the outdoor world. Although climbing is a very fun and exciting activity, it should not lose its respect, and one must be very cautious because a small mistake can cost us our lives. Also, it must be remembered that the mountain is very treacherous and can catch us off guard at any moment.
What advice would you give to someone who has never practiced this adventure sport?
With experience as a guide, Pere offers valuable advice for those who wish to delve into the world of climbing, emphasizing the importance of learning from a solid foundation and surrounding oneself with experienced people.
Pere: “I would recommend starting to approach the sport in the climbing gym, as everything is simpler there to begin with and you can build a good foundation. Then I would recommend trying to find a group of friends to start with, as it’s a sport that fosters a lot of unity and shares very similar objectives; besides, the motivation is much greater and it’s easier to maintain consistency in the sport. Finally, when deciding to go outdoors, always make the first trips accompanied by an expert, never go being unaware of the maneuvers that involve risk to the lives of the climbers.”
What RocRoi activity would you like to try that you haven’t experienced yet?
Pere expresses his eagerness for fresh adventures, expressing a keen interest in embarking on an exhilarating snowmobile guided tour.
Pere: “I’ve been yearning to experience a guided snowmobile route!”