You’ve heard of his amazing ascents in Pakistan, China, Alaska, Baffin Island, and even Utah. You’ve seen the videos, headlines, and photos. But do you really know the person behind the name?
We’ve asked Edelweiss athlete, Kyle Dempster to step off the rock and expose who he really is, what makes him tick, and to share some personal things about himself.
Q: How old are you?
A: 31.
Q: Where were you born?
A: Oakland, CA.
Q: Where do you currently reside?
A: 2003 Dodge Sprinter.
Q: What is your profession?
A: Alpinist. Coffee shop owner. Speaker.
Q: Are you married?
A: Sometimes it feels like I’m married to my business.
Q: Do you have any children?
A: I have 2.5 cacti. The half-cactus is still deciding if it want to live or die.
Q: What languages do you speak?
A: English and a tiny amount of Urdu.
Q: What schools did you attend and do you have any degrees?
A: Got a BS in Geography from the University of Utah.
Q: What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
A: Fly fishing guide.
Q: What profession would you not like to do?
A: Fly fishing guide.
Q: Where is the most interesting place you’ve ever lived?
A: The dorm room.
Q: When did you start climbing?
A: 1994.
Q: How did you get into climbing?
A: Back in 1994, my cousin, two years older than me, needed a belay. So he forced me into going with him to Pete’s Rock where we used a seatbelt from a 91’ Jeep Cherokee as a harness.
Q: Why do you climb?
A: The freedom, the movement, the peace, the war, the preparation, the strength, the smiles, the tears, the views, the camaraderie, the process, the variety, the education, and it’s my life.
Q: What types of climbing do you enjoy?
A: All of the above.
Q: What’s your favorite type of climbing?
A: Changes from season to season, year to year.
Q: What’s your least favorite type of climbing?
A: The really dangerous type.
Q: What are some of your favorite climbing areas?
A: The Karakoram and Zion, but I really like a lot of places.
Q: What has been your favorite climb/ascent?
A: I hate that question.
Q: Any idea how many first ascents you’ve put up?
A: Some.
Q: What are your favorite route names?
A: The Harbinger.
Q: What’s your most memorable climb/ascent?
A: One in Baffin Island and another in Pakistan.Q: If you couldn’t climb anymore, what other sport would you pursue?
A: Paragliding, fishing, and trail running.
Q: What is your most embarrassing moment?
A: I usually forget those.
Q: What are your favorite movies?
A: Last of the Mohicans and Legends of the Fall.
Q: What are your five most favorite books that aren’t about climbing?
A: East of Eden, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Old Man and the Sea, Solo Faces, and A Confederacy of Dunces.
Q: What are your five most favorite bands?
A: Black Sabbath, Talib Kweli, Takenobu, Dire Straights, and Emancipator.
Q: Do you have any heroes? Who are they?
A: The people in northern Pakistan.
Q: Who has been the most important person(s) in your life?
A: My parents and my sister.
Q: What was the happiest moment of your life?
A: Now.
Q: What was the saddest moment of your life?
A: The death of my cousin.
Q: What are the most important lessons you’ve learned in life?
A: Be honest.
Q: What are you the most proud of in your life?
A: The connection I have with my family.
Q: How would you like to be remembered?
A: With a smile.
Q: How many countries have you visited?
A: Not even close to all of them
Q: What’s your favorite quote?
A: "You think adventure is dangerous, you should try routine. It's lethal"
Q: What would be the climbing trip of your dreams?
A: Those seem to happen often.
Q: What would be the vacation of your dreams?
A: A 10-year around-the-world journey on a bicycle with someone I love.
Q: Cake or pie?
A: Ice cream
Follow the vertical exploits of Kyle Dempster on this blog as we share reports, videos, and photos of his latest adventures.
Check out the rest of the Edelweiss USA Team and see what they have been up to in the mountains.
Edelweiss is one of the many brands exclusively distributed in the U.S. by Liberty Mountain. Visit LibertyMountain.com or contact the Liberty Mountain Sales Team to become an Edelweiss dealer today.
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