Rob Schwarzmann

Rob's first climbing experiences came as soon as he could walk. He would climb all over the heavy equipment at his dad's rental business, no matter how hard we tried to keep him off it.  Then when Rob was 4 years old, we moved to a house with a big play gym made of railroad ties. The first time he saw it, he went up one of the corner columns hands-over-feet, like you would climb a palm tree. That's when I decided not to watch and just hope he didn't get hurt.

Rob didn't begin his formal climbing training until he was 14 and we moved near the mouth of Rock Canyon in Provo, Utah.  He came to me and said, "Mom, I need some climbing gear."  I agreed to buy it for him if he would take lessons, and he agreed. So about $2000 later, he had the proper training and gear, and he hasn't stopped since - climbing, or buying gear.

As Rob continued climbing he found a second mother, Mother Earth. He experienced the peace and renewal you can only find in nature and learned to appreciate its value. Whether he is rock climbing, hiking, mountaineering, skiing, or canyoneering, he is happiest when he is outside learning from Mother Earth. Thankfully, he listens to her, loves her, and loves sharing those experiences with others. Take some time and get to know both of them, you'll have a great time!

Contributed by Jeanie Baker, Rob's mother