Climber Interview: William Morales

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.

William Alexander Morales, 28, he/him. I don't really know how to describe myself, but all I can do is be me, whatever that is. My friends think I'm nice.

Image courtesy of @stephengrasz

How did you start climbing?

Funny story actually! I used to skateboard a lot before I got into climbing and one day I was at my friend's house trying to improve my drop in skills on his half pipe and I totally botched the drop and hairline fractured my navicular (top of your foot). I was out for a little while and in a boot to keep my foot safe and a good friend of mine who frequented the local climbing gym (Threshold) invited me to come and hang out and to be social. I went along not knowing what to expect and that night completely changed my life at a ripe young age of 18. He got me on top rope and I hobbled up the wall only using my left foot to support my weight, but I had the best time; I loved it. I got a membership as soon as I could afford it and I was there all summer thereafter. Haven't left yet!

What impact has climbing had on your life?

Climbing has had the most incredible and profound impact on my life. I've been at it for about a decade now and it's completely transformed my life for the better. Everything is dictated by climbing; the food that I eat, the clothes that I wear, the places I go, and the people I choose to spend huddled close together under a boulder during a freak thunderstorm up at Black Mountain! For me, and I'm sure others would agree, climbing is a lifestyle, not just a sport. Some of my closest friends/partners I have made because of climbing. Sunrises and sunsets that I have seen that I will never forget. Climbing trips with some really wonderful people that I miss dearly... I plan on climbing until I'm old and withered.

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

Now, this is where I get kind of boring! I like to dabble in a slew of hobbies, but I'm not fabulous at most of them. What's the phrase- jack of all trades, master of none, but I still suck at those? One thing I absolutely can truthfully say about myself that I find fulfilling is that, for some reason, I was given the ability to make people feel warm and safe- somehow. I'm entirely way too empathetic and I feel everyone's energy and I never want anyone to feel left out.

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

Girl, get your sh*t together!
No, for real, I would tell the world that I'm sorry that we are destroying this perfect environment you've given us by fracking, drilling, and burning all of your finite resources. We don't deserve you and I wish we would do better by you.

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

For the past few years, I have been working on completing my undergrad in pre-nursing so that I could eventually become an RN in any capacity, really. I was pushed by a really great friend who knew that I have more to offer this world and so now I'm currently trying to find a program that will have me. It's very exciting and terrifying to be standing on this great precipice of the unknown- I just want to help others when they are at their weakest or most scared and to bring them comfort; I want to do good.

Favorite thing about Dynamite Starfish?

Inclusivity. There is no shortage of representation and I love that so much. Thank you for all love, attention, and hard work!

Image courtesy of @richierich__f

You can find William on Instagram at @williamalexanderthegreat

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!