Stephen Meinhold
Head Routesetter (L4)
Year you started climbing? 1996
Year you started setting? 2001
Year you started working at Sportrock? 2017
How many comps have you set for? 32
Why did you start setting? Early on I was more focused on competing than setting. I competed in ABS & USA Climbing National events, UBC Pro Tour events, Mammut Bouldering Championships, Dark Horse Series, Portland Boulder Rally, 24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell, and even an Ice Climbing comp. I thought comps started to neglect the competitor for "world cup" style problems so I started to focus on setting to better understand this style. I have been head setter for a few different gyms in NC, PA, and OR over the years, and I have set multiple USA Climbing National events.
What is your goal when setting? To force you to do whatever I want you to do.
How do you come up with route names? I stare at the computer screen and mumble until I come up with something.
Favorite route name? Manilla Vanure.
What inspires you to stay constantly creative? Coffee and pastries.
Setting pet peeves? Metric bolts.
Words of advice to climbers who get stumped on your routes? Seek out beta or work it out with a friend. Sometimes I can set very contrived with a specific sequence, so if you can't figure it out maybe someone else can. Just like outside, learning how to project routes can help with the redpoint process. More pull-ups always help.
Passions in life? My wife and baby boy... and cookies, all of them.
How would your family or friends describe you in 3 words? Slow-motion Train Wreck.
What would surprise us to learn about you? Before getting back in the gym I was a High School Chemistry/Physics/Math teacher. I have horrible balance. I am a huge fan of rap and hip-hop.
If you could be any animal in the world - what would you be and why? Gorilla, it’s my spirit animal.