Denis’s thoughts about me

It was during the cold winter months of 2014 that I got the chance to meet the climbing crew in the South West and more particularly, as he is the subject of this story, how I got to meet Krish.

I use to live in a van back then, working on vineyards during the day, getting rained on. And almost every day, after work, I would go to the climbing gym in Dunsborough with my brother and we would climb with the familiar crew that would travel down from Bunbury and Busselton.

I was lucky enough that these people would offer to take us outdoors, on the actual rock, to amazing places like Willyabrup or, maybe my favourite, Welly Dam.

Krish of course was always one of the more avid and keen climbers and I remember those days where he would take us on the most epic routes, leading on trad like it was a fun warm up and belaying from the top. My brother and I, both working really hard, struggling to make it to the top cleaning behind Krish.

I guess that is how I first think of Krish…

While racking my brain here, trying to put words together for his blog, my first thought is how easy he makes it look. Whether it’s on the rock placing gear, leading a technical sports route or doing a “follow on” on a boulder wall at someone’s house.

But when I think more about it I guess I like climbing with Krish for the energy he gives you suggesting climbs, describing them and adapting his decision making to your capabilities. But also for the patience he shows while belaying you for a long time because it’s a hard climb or encouraging you and helping along the way. And finally, when I think of Krish I think of his generosity along the whole process and throughout the entire climbing day.

I haven’t climbed in a while and I haven’t seen Krish in ages but, writing those words, I remember some particular routes I climbed with him and the classic ritual of meeting at the car parks, pulling gear out of each others trunks and getting psyched and I miss it. I hope we’ll soon be able to climb together again.