Mana - the power of the elemental forces of nature embodied in an object or person
Spring 2020, my local gym closed...... Local crag......Closed! Fortunately, I was in a position to build a home wall. Sessions with one or two friends in the garage helped keep me stoked and sane during those crazy times. The home wall opened my eyes to just how much fun can be had and how strong one can become climbing mainly on a small wooden board. It also began my obsession with climbing holds.
Fast-forward to Fall 2021, I felt strong, light and ready to send hard projects. Hard for me anyway. Unfortunately, my season ended abruptly before conditions were even close to prime. Turns out all the weight I was losing wasn’t just diet and exercise. I had Lymphoma. Chemo started immediately. No climbing, No hanging out at the crag with friends, no burns on the project, and lots of free time to think about all the nothing. At some point during that foggy chemo brain period, I decided to try making climbing holds. I spent days hand cutting and sanding holds out of cheap scrap wood in my garage. Even though I couldn’t begin to pull on the holds I was making, I was climbing again and I was stoked. It was magic. It was Mana.
Mana Holds is my attempt to share this magic. To strip holds down to the essence of what I love about climbing. To shape holds that are simple, unique, and powerful. My way of sharing the joy climbing brings me with others, one grip at a time.
Every hold is hand made, no automation. Just me in my garage.
"Working for the Mana."
Mana Holds would not be possible without the support of my loving partner and friends. Thank you to all that have helped and supported Mana along the way.