1. Beta Spray

Giving props to all the mentors and climbing partners who taught him the ways of the rock and life

From my grandpa Verus, I learned how to keep it chill and not let anger throw me off the route.

From my dad’s reputation, I picked up respect and the kind of solid presence that makes you a trustworthy belay partner.

From my mom, I got my sense of humility, generosity, and that instinct to stay clear of sketchy ethics—not just in what I do but in what I even think about doing. She also taught me to live simply, not to chase after flashy gear or some fancy dirtbag lifestyle.

From my great-grandfather, I learned to avoid getting caught up in the whole scene—no unnecessary crag politics. Instead, he showed me the value of learning from legit mentors and understanding that leveling up takes real investment.

From my climbing coach, I got the lesson that it doesn’t matter what crag you claim—whether you’re pulling plastic, projecting some El Cap route, or just cruising easy trad—you gotta work hard, need little, and stay self-sufficient. Also, don’t get caught up in drama.

From Diognetus, I learned to be skeptical of hype—no buying into snake oil training methods, weird climbing superstitions, or magic-send potions. He showed me how to be cool with honest feedback, respect straight talk, and appreciate philosophy, starting with some deep thinkers who could actually help me dial in my mental game.

From Rusticus, I got my first real wake-up call that I wasn’t as dialed as I thought—that I had work to do. He taught me to steer clear of being a spraylord, not to waste time writing about climbing theory instead of actually climbing, and to focus on just doing the thing, not talking big about it. He also showed me how to keep my messages simple—no overthinking texts, just like that short, straight-up note he wrote his mom from the road. Most importantly, he showed me how to be quick to forgive when people mess up, as long as they’re actually trying to make it right.

From Apollonius, I learned to be steady no matter what—whether I’m pumped out of my mind, dealing with injury, or watching my plans fall apart. He lived proof that you can be both fierce and relaxed at the same time. He also showed me how to accept what comes without whining about it.

From Sextus, I learned to be open-hearted and steady, to actually take care of my crew, and to roll with different types of climbers without being a snob. He could hang with anyone—friendly without being fake, respected without being intimidating. He taught me to break things down in a way that actually made sense for life, not just climbing.

From Alexander the grammar teacher, I learned that when someone mispronounces a beta term or fumbles a knot, you don’t roast them—you just show them how it’s done in a way that doesn’t make them feel dumb.

From Fronto, I learned to recognize ego and manipulation, especially among so-called "elite" climbers. Turns out, the ones obsessed with status are often the ones with the least soul.

From Alexander the Platonist, I learned that if you’re too busy to answer a message, don’t make a big deal out of saying you’re busy—just handle your relationships with respect instead of excuses.

From Catulus, I learned not to write off a friend just because they called me out—especially if they were wrong. Instead, try to mend things. And he showed me how to really appreciate my mentors, like the way he respected his own teachers.

From my brother Severus, I got my love of truth and fairness. He introduced me to legends—real ones—who stood for what was right, not just what was easy. From him, I learned that real leadership isn’t about power but about making sure everyone gets their fair shot.

From Maximus, I learned to stay in control, to not freak out when things go sideways, to be strong but kind, and to keep my word so that people actually trust me. He never let anything shake him, and he never played the victim.

From my dad, I learned patience, consistency, and that you don’t need to show off to be strong. He worked hard, listened well, and never let his decisions be swayed by what looked cool in the moment. He knew when to push, when to back off, and how to keep a steady head, whether dealing with life, climbing, or people.

From the universe (or whatever you wanna call it), I lucked out with solid mentors, good friends, and a family that, for the most part, had my back. I could’ve easily ended up lost, but somehow, I got the right nudges at the right times. I didn't fall too deep into chasing status, didn’t get stuck in a toxic crew, and even when I made dumb choices, something always kept me from going too far down the wrong path.

I had the right partners, the right moments of clarity, and enough resilience to keep climbing. And for all of that—I owe some thanks.