The Southeastern Climbers Coalition

Jason Kehl on Free Willy at Hueco Tanks. Courtesy of www.cryptochild.com

If you keep up with climbing, you've no doubt heard of Jason Kehl. Besides being a sick climber, Jason has also caught peoples attention with his art, graphic design work, climbing hold design, and his own clothing line. Jason will be coming to Atlanta on November 5th as part of the USAClimbing Route Setting Clinic, held at Adrenaline Climbing. Along with Dave Chancellor of So Ill Holds, Jason will be putting on a sick slide show presentation with proceeds from the show going to benefit the SCC. In Chattanooga, visiting gyms for the La Sportiva Solution Team Tour, By Brad Johansen-Adrenaline Climbing Gym.

Jason Kehl on the Roost Project in Soill. Courtesy of www.cryptochild.com

Adrenaline: What do you think of the climbing here in the dirty south?

JK: I really like the climbing in the south, sandstone has always been my favorite type of stone

Adrenaline: Any favorite areas or climbs you've been to down here?

JK: I went to Little Rock City for the first time and it was great, some of the best stone I've seen in the south.

Adrenaline: What irritates you or makes you angry?

JK: Not much really, maybe people who get all caught up in the drama of the world, and forget to go after their own passions.

Adrenaline: Top three vices?

JK: climbing, tea + stretching

Adrenaline: At what point does a highball become a free solo? Do you free solo as well as highball?

JK: I used to free solo when I started climbing, it was just the natural progression at the time, to do it on a rope, then solo it. I don't do it any more, it's just not worth it. The difference in Highball bouldering is that you have the option to escape death, kind of like a stunt man.

Adrenaline: What motivates you?

JK: Big beautiful lines motivate, usually with crazy rock formations or interesting settings. I'm also motivated by first ascent, it's always fun to climb something that may seem impossible at first.

Adrenaline: Do you eat whatever you want or do you keep to a pretty strict diet?

JK: I don't eat whatever, but I am not very strict about my diet either. Just try to keep it light and fresh.

Adrenaline: Where'd the inspiration come from for the hair cut?

JK: The old kung fu movies I guess, the dreads are an interesting twist to that.

Adrenaline: Are you sick of being asked questions about your hair?

JK: Not really, most people have never seen anything like it.

Adrenaline: What can people expect to see at you and Dave Chancellor's slide show at Adrenaline Climbing Nov. 5th?

JK: I cant speak for Dave, but in my show, you will see, blood, odd dolls, Highballing madness, Japan, Spain, tales from the road, Hueco, me suffering for it and more blood.

Adrenaline: What do you think of a Jason Kehl/Dave Chancellor, 2012 presidential ticket?

JK: We are in it to win it, we think the whole thing will go off with a bang.

Adrenaline: Do you like being in the spotlight? Or do you ever wish you were just an unknown climber?

JK: It can get old after a while, but a lot of times when I go climbing, its with a couple of friends at and undisclosed location, so it's pretty easy to escape.

Adrenaline: Any Jason Kehl rumors/assumptions out there that you want to dispel?

JK: No, keep believing that they are true.

Note: Thanks to Brad at Adrenaline Climbing Gym for getting the interview and thanks to Jason for taking the time. Special thanks to www.cryptochild.com for the photos.