Climber Interview: Kasia Pietras

To start, what are a few ways you identify yourself? (some examples: name, age, type of work you do.) But really, anything you believe is important.

I go by Kasia (pronounced Kasha) and I was born in 1988 making be 32 right now. I'm the Director of Setting for MetroRock Climbing Centers but I also do a few other things. I also do private coaching. I go by her/she.

How did you start climbing?

I started climbing back in 1996 at a small climbing gym in Chicago called Hidden Peak. I had a friend that was taking Saturday classes at the gym and I went with him. I really enjoyed it so my mom signed me up for the classes. At the time I was also doing a mix of swimming, gymnastics and karate. Climbing started becoming the focus and the other sports just dropped off. It progressed to me joining the climbing team coached by Dave Hudson and the rest is history!

What impact has climbing had on your life?

Climbing is my life. If you were to take climbing away and I had no recollection of it at all, almost all my memories, my accomplishments and my career would vanish. I would be a shell of a person. Climbing has helped me from over the years into who I am now. I have learned so many things because of climbing that aren't related to the sport at all. All the traveling I've done because of climbing has taught me about so many different cultures and taken me to see so many different wonders of the world. I would be a totally different person if I didn't have climbing!

What are some other things you do that you find most fulfilling?

There's many things I love to do that aren't related to climbing even though some are. I do have a passion towards coaching climbing. I find it very rewarding and fulfilling. I enjoy traveling. I make a point to travel somewhere new at least twice a year. I enjoy skiing and the snow. Now that I live close to mountains I can ski more regularly. I love my pets and playing with them. I also enjoy cooking and baking mostly for others though!

If you could tell the world one thing, what would it be?

If you're not happy in any situation in your life, change it - cause life is short. Do what makes you happy and don't let folks tell you otherwise. Maybe it'll be a mistake, but at least you tried and learned from it!

Favorite thing about Dynamite Starfish?

I really love all the stickers and shirts and images for the stickers and shirts!

Image of Kasia Pietras 

Is there something you're working on that you'd like to tell our community about? We love a good story.

I'm working on a routesetting podcast (@askaroutesetter) so if there are route setters out there that have a story or opinions or anything to share, reach out! Would love to talk to you!

 You can find Kasia on Instagram at @peeches88

Want to get to know more of the climbers in the amazing Dynamite Starfish community? Check out our archive of Climber Interviews here.

We hope you have enjoyed these sneak peeks into climbers' lives. We're on a mission to share diverse stories about rock climbing. Let's push the boundaries of who we know as climbers. Let's use our energy and passion for the outdoors to love our environment and inspire one another.

Have someone you think we should feature? Send us a message and let us know!