Climber Interview: Lydia Yang

Happy Monday, Dynamite Starfish fam! Today we're doing something a little bit different and interviewing our first international climber! If you've searched for beta on climbing in other countries, you may have come across Lydia's blog, Lydiascapes. We found her by reading her many posts about climbing all around the world, and want to share her story with you here. Thanks for reading!

To start, what are a few ways you identify yourself? (some examples: name, age, pronouns, type of work you do.) But really, anything you believe is important.
Hi, I am Lydia Yang, a Singaporean female rock climber and content creator of LydiaScapes. I am a digital nomad and work remotely on the go in the countries I visit ( 58 countries till date!). I always try to squeeze in some rock climbing or bouldering in every destination I go.

Lydia climbing in Long Dong, Taiwan

How did you start climbing?
In my twenties, I was always a very skinny and sickly girl. However, I decided to pick up rock climbing 7 years ago when I was looking for a workout/sport that is fun and isn't too routine like swimming or running.

It turned out to be the best decision of my life and I feel my body so much stronger and fitter since then. Hence I always encourage my friends (especially girl friends!) to pick up climbing to make yourself look good and feel good.

What impact has climbing had on your life?
Rock climbing has brought me places.

My partner Cez and I have been to so many incredible destinations like Siurana in Spain, Thailand, Taiwan and much more.

However, given we cannot go as much outdoor climbing at the moment due to the pandemic, we can only make do with rock climbing home workouts and training. We are dreaming of going Patagonia some day when COVID19 situation gets better.

Lydia climbing in Siurana, Spain

What are some other things you do that you find most fulfilling?
I enjoy outdoor adventure sports in general like hiking, skiing and water sports. However, I also enjoy sharing my life story and digital marketing knowledge at events, talks and travel conferences that I attend.

I hope to inspire as many people as possible to chase their dreams and passions through sharpening their skills and field of expertise (in my case its digital marketing).

If you could tell the world one thing, what would it be?
Dare to dream and pursue your passion. Even if you fail once, twice or more, at least you tried and you cannot live to regret not trying.

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

I would hope to build an outdoor climbing wall and gym in my own home in the near future. While I am currently constantly on the road, when I do settle down somewhere, perhaps this is something that I can make a reality for my kids and friends.

You can find Lydia at her blog Lydiascapes, and on Instagram at @lydiascapes.

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!

Until next time!