Mar 06
ONE
The Illinois rock treasure hunt is what I live for. But it is not an easy task to undertake. We have put in so much time and energy trying to find the next so ill bouldering area. After hours of time, dollars for gas, maps bought, Ariel photos viewed, planes rented, and trespassing on private property, we have found a gold mind. Not only did we find a few new killer areas but I learned a valuable lesson. The sweet wouldn’t be so sweet with out the bitter. This spoke so much truth when we were in the middle of a grueling 6month search for the killer sandstone. I will remember this next time things get a bit tough.
TWO
After a quick blow to the head, I regained my composure and prepared to return the favor. I quickly sized up my target. Jason Kehl, a scrawny kid with a skullet for a hair cut. I zeroed in on my nemesis. Using a quick twist of my hips I gained momentum. My leg flung through the air with break neck speed. Jason dodged my kick and countered with a sharp blow to the sternum. Just after my body took flight, I heard Mike Aldridge yelling, CUT, CUT! This fake-fighting scene was for Mike’s up and coming film. Jason and I had rehearsed the scene for a few evenings and executed it with ease. Keep your eyes pealed for mikes film; a release date has yet to be set.
Word,
David Chancellor
Jan 06
ONE
One hundred and twenty diehard bouldering junkies congregated to the wastelands of Desoto, Illinois for the 3rd annual So ill/Organic Showdown. This small grass roots comp has become a focal point for plastic connoisseurs. As I meander through our makeshift parking lot I cannot help but notice the colorful potpourri of license plates representing Florida, Connecticut, Minnesota, Colorado, Missouri, Michigan and Illinois. Why would any sane human drive over 1500 miles from 10 states away to boulder in a two-car garage in southern Illinois? Several reasons came to mind. Maybe because the comp was a sanctioned ABS event, or possibly the gallons of free Red Bull, crazy boulder problems, or a super dank after party. The overall consensus was all of the above. Check out the full story in the next issue of urban climber mag.
TWO
Just got back from a filming session in Arkansas with Big Up Productions. Those boys have their stuff together. Josh and Brett do an excellent job with all aspects of production. It was a very humbling experience climbing with the worlds best. Chris Sharma, Jason Kehl, Nate Gold, and Blake Strickland know how to rip it. Those boys were pulling boulder problems out of the box. One amazing line was hidden deep in the forest. Following a slow warm up walk we arrived at the superman boulder. This boulder is big, tall, proud, king line. After many attempts I had fallen short of the glory…. But the enthused Boone Speed discovered a new sequence and the future looked bright. I started with my mental preparation. I allowed my mind to visualize a successful sequence. The crux is holding a ½ pad edge while crossing through your body to a shallow dish. Then allowing your body to unwind as you hold a freakish monkey style swing. Before my take off Jason gave me a quick pep talk. He said, just lock that side pull off…scream at your bicep to not move! This is just what I did, one twisted scream and an acrobatic move on steroids and I was standing on top. This buy far is one of the best lines on the ranch…. MONEY!
june 05
Today I hooked up a project that has been racking my brain for quite sometime. The problem is an amazing line with very interesting features. Jason Kehl established the line Armageddon 5000 and ever since I have had my eyes on the prize.
As humans we truly create meaning for ourselves. We decide what in life is worth while and then dedicate time and energy. To every action there is ultimately success or failure. But both can be a valuable lesson. When failure is attached to our time and energy it brews frustration. Frustration is the very thing that makes me quite. But we must remember that it is the learning process that is most rewarding. I personally found this to be true. I camped under Armageddon for almost 2 seasons. I wanted that Problems so bad. After many battles and times of struggle I found myself standing on top this masterpiece. Fully excited to be swimming in the moment of glory. But that feeling of success is short lived. What does stay with my mind is the time and all the failures associated with the battle of Armageddon 5000. The failures can be rewarding.
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february 05
Just got back from a filming session in Arkansas with Big Up Productions. Those boys have their stuff together. Josh and Brett do an excellent job with all aspects of production. It was a very humbling experience climbing with the worlds best. Chris Sharma and fellow B-unit team member Jason Kehl know how to rip it. Those boys were pulling boulder problems out of the box.
Till next time,
dc
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january 05
Sometimes I forget how blessed I am. But I love that moment of clarity when I am reminded. This usually comes through interaction with family and friends. Life is good!
I have been thrilled about a few big projects in my life. One is being involved in a new film by B.S. Productions entitled “The Players“. This film houses other B-Unit athletes, which will include the likes of Jason Kehl and Joe Kinder. Keep an eye out for The Players film release tour at a location near you. This film was a great outlet for my creative expression. Brian Solano (the director) allowed me the freedom to adapt a story line of myself, which involves everything from an old kung-fu master, to renting an airplane. My next project is the filming of a Big Up Productions Dose in Arkansas. I will be joining the ranks of some old friends Brett and Josh Lowell, Jason Kehl, Blake Strickland and Chris Sharma. It will be an experience to remember.
The last bit of my time is spent making some killer grips. I have enjoyed watching my companies’ growth. It is rewarding to see were my hard work goes. I think it is cool I can go to work in my pajamas.
WORD Keep it real!
Gravy