Interview with a Route Builder Ep. 2 - Jim from Aarhus Boulders

What is your name, where set are you and how long have you been climbing? Jim "the jammer" Hougaard. I set in Aarhus, Odense and Copenhagen. I'm not quite sure how long I've been climbing... About 5,5 years I guess.

What is your role as a route builder in the team? The way we mostly structure our day is as a team. However, if I had to give myself a role, I am probably the one who is not afraid to try out some random ideas.

What are your strengths and weaknesses in climbing? My strengths are definitely coordination and very dynamic movements. I have a background in parkour, so coordination and dynamics are pretty much part of my DNA. At the same time, this strength is also a weakness. It has taken me a long time to "learn to climb" as it has always come naturally to me to jump or leap my way to a solution.

What are your strengths and weaknesses in route building? My strengths in route building are getting people to fly. My weaknesses are probably the more delicate slab movements, as it is not my greatest skill.

What do you like about route building? For me, the coolest thing is actually getting people to have fun while learning something as well. I like to give people the opportunity to get better at climbing, jumping, coordination, etc.

What do you think is a good problem? Bingobongobongobingbonk... On a serious note, a good problem for me is a problem where the intended beta is the "easiest" way to solve the problem. While the problem is also visually inviting.

What is a cool movement? I personally like coordination movements where you have to move your hands and feet at the same time.

What is a fat grip? Big, nice and floppy!

Where do you get inspiration from? I follow the World Cup and other climbing competitions a lot, and draw as much inspiration from it as possible. Not only because it's pretty much always world-class route building, but also to keep up with what (what moves, holds, etc.) are "in" at the highest level of climbing. Also of course Instagram :)

What tip would you give to climbers in Bouders? Go for it! Whether you climb yellow, purple or black, you will always find great challenges and opportunities to improve in Boulders!

Goddamn Jim!