Travis’ climbing journey began in high school with a trip to Froggatt Edge (now Waipari). What started as a simple adventure quickly grew into a lifelong passion. He got hooked on climbing, but it was the friendships, the trips, and the shared suffering on hard climbs that kept him coming back. In his own words, climbing just happens to be the glue that holds all of that together.
Today, Travis is an IFSC route setter, designing and constructing indoor boulders for climbing gyms and competitions—from social events to regional, national, and international stages. Setting at this level demands precision, creativity, and composure, and watching world-class athletes tackle his problems has been both humbling and inspiring.
Memorable moments
From sending his first grade 18 to performing a rescue that saved someone’s limb, Travis has had his share of unforgettable experiences. Yet, he says his greatest achievement is simply saying yes to opportunities, letting curiosity and courage guide him into new challenges.
Gear that matters
For Travis, climbing shoes are everything. The La Sportiva Futura is his go-to for indoor climbing, while the Skwama excels outdoors. “Once you trust your feet, your whole climbing style changes,” he says. Gear must be durable and reliable; if it survives the rigours of route setting, it can survive anything.
Beyond personal performance, Travis is committed to developing competition climbing in New Zealand. Through route setting and mentoring, he aims to prepare the next generation of climbers for the Olympic stage while staying fit, pushing limits, and embracing the evolving nature of the sport.
