Climbing with pro-climbers - Interview with Klemen Be?an

Can you tell me about yourself?

I was born in Slovenia and started climbing when I was 8 years old and I’m still as motivated as on the first day I put my harness on. I started competing in international competitions when I was 14 and this is when I started to train more seriously. My best result was a 1st place in the World Cup in 2008 in lead and in bouldering; I have also reached 2 times the second place. On the rock, I prefer climbing “A Vista” (onsight). The hardest route I did this way is "Siempre se puede hacer menos", an 8c+. I have always tried to avoid working on routes - since it’s not so much fun -, but I still managed to climb this way up to 9a+. I live nowadays in Catalonia in my van, so there are no more limits to where I can climb now and I just can’t wait to climb to the next level. Besides climbing, I also like to travel and live my life.

Which kind of climber would you say you are?

I’m a climber. I like to climb. No matter where when and what. May it be bouldering, with rope, psicobloc, highball, multi-pitch, ice, tree or buildings. I can just go to the crag and enjoy a good company and chill or climb “a muerte” all day long. I used to train a lot in the gym, but now I go there just to set some routes for others. I prefer to climb outdoors in nature.

How did the pro-climber training week project with Rockbusters come to life?

I always liked to share my knowledge of climbing with others. In Slovenia, I was training kids and the national junior team. Here in Spain, I realised that there are a lot of climbers that would like to learn something and, after seeing how Rockbusters work and how much fun their groups have, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. So, I talked with the boss – Jan -, and I soon got the chance to join them as coach.

What did you think about this experience?

I don’t know if I was lucky to get such a good group for the first time or if it is the general atmosphere in the Rockbusters team. I think a bit of both, and when you have many good and motivated people together, it is not hard to have an amazing experience during the whole week. It was a great pleasure to explain some new techniques and methods for improving and to see that they were listening to me and progressing along the way. I think that in the end we all learned something and bring home many good memories.

Where do you want to go next? What’s your next project?

I have many projects here in Spain and I want to climb them all. In Siurana, in Mont Rebei, in Rodellar, in Oliana… and I also have some unfinished business in a big wall in Croatia. This Summer, I’d like to go to China and, one day, to Morocco. There are many places around the world that I want to visit, but now, I am just happy to live in Catalonia where I have many things to climb for years to come.

Will you always climb?

Yes. At least as long as I’m alive, after I’m not sure yet.