Paul recently returned to Switzerland, and in particular Magic Wood, after two years of climbing in the U.S. , Canada, and South Africa, with set goals on his horizon. One of these goals was to seek redemption on the climb that landed him in the hospital with a bum ankle, Unendliche Geschichte 1+2, otherwise known as The Never Ending Story. On September 21, he was able to accomplish this feat on his second try of the day; this was only his second session on it since 2008. After tackling a climb that, until today, was the grim ending story, I felt like a small interview was necessary.

What was your brain process like during your send- more psyche to accomplish something that had shut you down or more nervous because of what had happened two years prior?

During the beginning moves I wasn’t thinking about it much, more or less just climbing through a boulder problem. As it started to become a reality that this could be the send go, the thought of injuring myself again definitely went through my mind but fortunately it was not enough to keep me from sending the boulder.

Did reaching the ending jug of this climb feel any more satisfying than other V14’s?

Yeah. Thinking back to the months spent lying in a bed because of this climb made it feel that much better to finally send it. The history around the whole climb for me is really what made the send that much more special.

Is there anything else in Magic Wood you want to come back for now?

Practice of the Wild looks to be dry, which got me psyched to maybe give it a couple of attempts in the next few weeks, as well as a few potential projects in the area.

Thanks Paul!