Q&A wth Pete Langlands
Tell us about your connection with climbing?
My connection with climbing is very much one of personal expression as well as a passion for sport and coaching science. I have been climbing for around 24 years now and in that time it has evolved from my own climbing journey to that of a parent whose children competed or still compete. As my journey continues as a coach, I have a passion for the outdoors as well as indoor climbing development and enjoy helping others realise and work towards their personal climbing goals and objectives.
Why do you like climbing?
Before climbing I did a lot of martial arts so wanted a new challenge. For me the movement and attention to detail was what attracted me initially. The elements of task mastery coupled with the complex components of expression, sport and culture make climbing unique.
What made you want to join the ClimbScotland team?
Reasons for joining ClimbScotland is to be part of a team of like-minded people that collectively can really make a difference in youth development. As a freelance coach you can do a lot of good, and it’s fair to say I’ve been guilty of working away on my own in the past. However, a sense of community has become very much at the forefront of what I believe in at this point in my own personal journey and feel very fortunate to be able to contribute and work with a great team at ClimbScotland.
ith this team are being able to draw upon the resources of the others. Everyone has different strengths and perspectives but we are all trying to arrive at the same objectives.
What is your main ambitions with your role?
My main ambition is first and foremost to work towards delivering the best coaching education and development opportunities possible to our young youth squad. To help others grow and grow within the process in return and to represent ClimbScotland to the best of my ability.
How did you get involved in climbing?
I was looking for a new challenge and put my name on a waiting list for what was at the time the new wall situated within the Inverness leisure. This was my first time and was lucky enough to meet what would turn out to be my first ever climbing mentor Ruairidh Mackenzie. This was a floodgate moment for me, and I was hooked and grateful for the time he invested in me.
What is your favourite type of climbing?
My initial exposure to climbing for many years was trad climbing and still love it, although its fair to say I spend most of my time sport climbing or bouldering in recent years. This is partly due to the fact my boys still enjoy doing really hard moves in sport or bouldering so I tend to get out voted, I’m hopeful they’ll come round to trad soon.