Professional climber Hazel Findlay on the extreme challenges she thrives on

Hazel Findlay has been climbing for 27 of her 33 years. She tells Helen how tackling the most difficult, vertical, steep rocks is what motivates her most and shares her joy of sleeping in a makeshift hammock hanging from a sheer rock face.

 

On a recent expedition to Greenland, Hazel made two ‘first ascents’, climbing massive walls that no one has ever conquered, and explains how much harder it is to stay focussed in sub-zero temperatures and snow storms, with painful bare hands and frozen feet.

 

Inspired by the mental & psychological challenges of her very physical sport, Hazel has set up a coaching business - Strong Mind - to help other athletes overcome their fears and limitations – lessons she says are valuable for life in general.

 

Images by Jon Griffith and Cameron Maier 

Footage by Max Montgomery