Patxi Usobiaga

Spain

1989 was the year I first saw climbing. It was love at first sight; like a revelation! I started climbing in 1990. Climbing had a life of its own, it had its own scent, it made me feel alive. One day I dreamt of climbing grade six, owning my own rope, winning the World Cup and climbing around the world for the rest of my life. And now that dream is becoming real. And all this thanks to the fact that in 1989 on a certain day at a certain time I have to see climbing on a tv channel. I love climbing!

Birthday? 07/09/1980

Year you first started climbing/skiing? 1990

Three climbing achievements you are most proud of? First 8c+ onsight, Bizi Euskaraz, climbed 9a grade and winner of the World Cup 2006 and 2007

Memory/story of the first time you ever went climbing? It was incredible, I got hooked on climbing, I had a strange feeling in my belly, I could smell climbing, I could feel it, it had everything for me.

Favorite climbing area and why? Araotz, it’s like my climbing school area near home. And all of the climbing areas in the world that have got many routes to motivate myself.

Best climbing experience? First route in 1990, in Atxarte, Naufragos nocturno V+. Worst climbing experience? When I felt from seven meters high to the floor over a climber with my back.

What's your dream trip? Where? With who? Climbing without time and schedule around the world depending my motivation and with my best friends.

Guilty pleasure? A big piece of chocolate.

Something that annoys you while climbing? Many climbers on the same route, wet holds and garbage on the climbing area.

What/who inspires you in climbing? Motivated climbers who feel a lot  for climbing.

Favorite aprés-climb meal? Sandwich of “Jabugo” ham.

What's in your iPod? For relax, Macaco, Gentleman, Jonh Frusciante, Mika. For medium, Cypress Hill, Jass and more hip hop and for “A MUERTE”, Su Ta Gar, and some D.J. with dance music.

Strangest place you've ever woken up? On the street in Chile, on the floor, without a mattress

Three things you'd never roadtrip without? Climbing gear, climbing shoes, chalk bag and harness.

Superstitions? NOOOOOO thanks!

What's your dream job? To live without working.

How are you training when you are not climbing? If I am not climbing I can’t call training. For fun I like cycling, walking on the mountain, dancing, skiing, ice climbing…everything.

If you could steal one thing and not get caught, what would it be? Freedom and endless happiness.

If you could have dinner with three people (dead or alive) who would they be? Lance Amstrong, Wolfgang Gullich and Usan Bolt.

Which would you prefer: power of flight or invisibility? Power of flight.

Do you have any tattoos or piercings? NOOOOOOOOOOO