Climber Story: Adam Romero

To start, tell us a little bit about yourself

Hi, my name is Adam. I'm a 40 year old Colorado native that has climbed on and off since 1996. During that time, I went to culinary school and started a career coaching Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.

In February 2020, I had major neck surgery. Seven vertebrae were fused and it left me with limited mobility and nerve damage. I spent 2020 in a neck brace and stuck in a recliner. Getting back to Climbing has been a triumph mentally by helping me stave off the crippling depression and feelings of loss that come with not being able to do any of the things I love.

How did you start climbing?

I started climbing in middle school at the local rock gym and in the Colorado Rockies.

What impact has climbing had on your life?

At first, climbing was my refuge from the world — somewhere I could get lost in the movement and nature. It was also a new way to be creative with my body and solve problems.

Lately, climbing has been an escape from my injury. It's a place where I can challenge myself and work towards being the 'me' I was before.

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

I love cooking food for friends & family, sailing, and teaching Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.

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

Stop living to acquire, start living to experience.

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

I'm currently training and saving up to solo-circumnavigate the world in a sailboat.

You can find Adam on Instagram at @aro4213_.

Want to get to know more of the climbers in the amazing Dynamite Starfish community? Check out our archive of Climber Stories 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!