Samantha Berry

Name: Samantha Berry
DOB: 1977
Interview: Moon Climbing / January 2013

Moon Climbing – When and where did you start climbing?
Samantha - In 1995, my brother took me to an indoor climbing gym in Sydney.

Moon Climbing – Do you have a favourite style of climbing (traditional, sport, bouldering etc)? 

Samantha - I enjoy bouldering the most but also sport routes outdoors.

Moon Climbing – You are stuck on a desert island with just one route and one boulder. Which ones would you choose and why? 

Samantha - My one route would be Pooferator, grade 31 in the Blue Mountains. This is a long term project of mine and being stuck on a desert island with it, i’d be forced to keep trying it and do it!!! My one boulder problem would be Ogre Thumb, V9 in the Grampians. This is a project boulder problem that i’ve been so close to doing, I just need more time with it!

Moon Climbing – Who is your climbing hero or inspiration and why? 

Samantha - Sandrine Levet from France. A remarkable and determined woman who was winning all the Boulder World Cups when I was just starting out competing on the World Cup circuit.

Moon Climbing - How often do you climb?

Samantha - About 5 times per week, 4 times training indoors and one day outdoors.

Moon Climbing – Where and how often do you train and for how many hours per week? 

Samantha - I train at my own climbing gym, Bloc Climbing Centre, the best bouldering gym in Australia!! I train 4 times per week for 2 hours each day.

Moon Climbing – What kind of training do you do? 

Samantha - I mainly just work hard boulder problems with friends. Recently i’ve also started doing CrossFit for strength and conditioning.

Moon Climbing - Your top training tip or tips?

Samantha - Work your weaknesses and have fun!

Moon Climbing – The climbing achievement you are most proud of and why? 

Samantha - Placing 5th twice in the Bouldering World Cups, the highest achievement for any Australian climber, male or female so far!

Moon Climbing - What is your opinion on competitions? Good, bad or indifferent?

Samantha - Love them! They are a great way to gage how you are going, what your weaknesses are and what you need to work on. They are also a great opportunity to meet other climbers and make friends. Learning to climb well under pressure is also a great feeling!

Moon Climbing – Your goals for 2013? 

Samantha – This year I’ve been getting back into climbing after having my baby last year. I’ve mostly been climbing outdoors in the Blue Mountains and have many new projects that I am working on. I aim to compete in all our National Competitions this year and also have some exciting climbing trips planned to the Grampians and Castle Hill.