We want to highlight the people that make up our growing community at The Crag, so we’re introducing a new feature on the blog called Around The Crag. Every few weeks we’ll highlight one of our members, giving you a chance to get to know them a little better. We’re starting with a guy that you’ve probably seen at competitions and events, or during your mid-week afternoon session. Chris Ragon is still new to the sport of climbing, but he definitely carries the spirit of the outdoors. Check out our interview with Chris below and make sure to say hey next time you see Chris around The Crag.
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1. Where are you from?
Well, that is kind of a loaded question. I would probably tell most people I am “from” the Atlanta area, but I was born in Minnesota, lived in North Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina (again), Tennessee (again), Georgia, and South Carolina before finally settling in Tennessee for the third time.
2. How long have you been climbing?
I started climbing in February of 2013.
3. What do you love most about rock climbing?
There are so many things that I love about climbing, but what originally drew me to climbing was my total disdain for going to the gym. Besides that, I love climbing for it’s relative simplicity. You start at the bottom and try to get to the top. What keeps me coming back, however is it’s “easy to learn, difficult to master” quality. It also provides the exercise I need and a place for my mind to unwind from the stresses of life. I really see it as a total body workout.
4. Other than climbing, what are your hobbies & interests?
I have way too many hobbies. I tend to pick up a hobby and drop it after a few months (still going strong with climbing!). My current hobbies include: playing the ukulele, singing in my church choir, the occasional video game, watching football (Clemson Tigers and Washington Redskins), my dog Clementine, eating lots of food, and getting outside as often as possible. My main (and favorite) hobby is being a husband to my beautiful wife, Brittany.
5. What’s your favorite food?
Considering it is one of my hobbies, (see above) I love lots of different foods, but if I had to pick the one food I would ask for on my deathbed, it would definitely be a grilled New York strip steak.
6. Vacation time: mountains or beach? Defend your answer…
Mountains. To defend, I will start by saying why I would not choose the beach. I am part albino so the sun is not my friend. It is hot. Sand gets everywhere. Sunscreen is a pain to put on and makes you feel sticky. Sand. Jellyfish, stingray and other ocean creatures. The beach is fine when you are there but is terrible when you leave. Mountains are peaceful, serene, beautiful, and relaxing. You can hike, climb, cookout, have a bonfire, sit on a porch in a rocking chair and look at the scenery, hot tub, go skiing, and countless other things.
7. Describe your ideal climbing day in a tweet (140 characters or less).
Going to the Crag with my wife to send some of the new routes #climbon
8. Favorite outdoor climbing spot?
Long before I ever started climbing I would often drive by and hike at a place in South Carolina called Table Rock. I used to think every time that I saw it “it would be awesome to climb that,” so that is my dream outdoor climbing trip. The main routes are 5.12 so it is something to aspire to for sure.
9. Are you on Twitter/Instagram/etc? If so, how can people find you?
You can find me on Twitter (mostly sports tweets) @chris_ragon and on Instagram (mostly dog pictures) @cragon18.