Bella, Bren, and Amaya Beauchamp are a few team climbers who will impress your socks off. At 11, 8, and 7 years old, these three are pros at tying figure-eights, while most kids are still figuring out how to tie their shoes! They're the spider monkeys hanging on crimps like they're jugs or campusing through long roof sections of the Hulk. It's hard to catch them off the wall for even a second, so we were psyched when they agreed to talk to us about their climbing experience!
Photographs provided by the Beauchamps and Christian Celestino
Sender One Youth Spotlight: Bella, Bren, and Amaya Beauchamp
Photographs from their recent trip to Red Rocks by Christian Celestino!
You guys are so young, but you're already crushing! Tell us, how did you get started climbing?
Amaya on Monkey Bars, V2. Photo by Christian Celestino
Bren: We were invited to a birthday party at our local rock climbing gym called Rock Fitness. The birthday party lasted for about an hour, but I didn’t want to leave. Four hours after the rest of the party left I was still climbing. My parents literally had to pull me off the wall. My hands hurt so bad but I didn’t want to stop. The next day I begged by parents to go back. They ended up finding a closer gym (Vital) right down the street.
Amaya: I started climbing at my local gymnastics gym called SCEGA. I started when I was four years old. It’s not really bouldering, but I get to climb on all kinds of stuff. I really like to tumble, do flips and you’ll always see me doing cartwheels and handstands!
Bella: Pump It Up. They have portable belay rock walls that I could spend all my time racing with my brother and sister. I wish I had a rock wall in our house like those ones!
Bella on False Hueco Traverse in Joshua Tree. Photo by Christian Celestino
What got you hooked on climbing?
Bren: I like the challenge and being able to push myself. I also like different types of climbs, but my favorite techniques are crimps, pinches and heel hooks. I like toprope because it is higher so I can climb longer!
Amaya: I like bouldering outdoors because then we get to camp! When we camp we get to fish and make lots of S’mores!
Bella: Climbing gets me very focused. There is nothing else I think about, only being in the moment and everything else seems to fade away. I prefer toprope because I like climbing for long periods of time. I feel like I can get stronger and really push myself in a safe way.
I see you guys have been outdoors more than once. Does it feel harder outdoors?
Bren: I like the outdoors more even though it is more rough on my hands. Indoors trains me for going outside and competing.
Amaya: It feels really, really hard to climb outdoors, but I prefer to climb outside.
Bella: I think the outdoors is very challenging and it makes my hands stronger. When I go back indoors everything feels easier.
Bren on his send of Tapatio, v7!
Tell me about your favorite outdoor climb
Bren: My favorite outdoor climb is Rios Crack in Bishop. The first time I did it, I tried to campus into a heel hook but I fell. It took me a few times to get the right body movement. I was able to put the top section together quickly but linking the bottom part was difficult until I found an intermediate.
Amaya: My favorite outdoor climb is in Red Rock. It was really hard with big moves for me, but I got to use a lot of heel hooks and swing. I love heel hooks!
Bella: My favorite outdoor climb is Potato Chip in Red Rock. I really like the crimpy style and big moves. I really have to focus on my feet to get the climb.
How has being on the S1 team improved your climbing?
Bren: S1 Team encourages me to do more and helps me read the climbs. I really like the technical parts of climbing and I feel like my endurance and footwork are better. I have so much to learn, teach me!
Bella: Before S1 Team I had trouble with my footwork and I would get pumped quickly. My coaches have taught me how to breathe, where to rest and proper foot techniques. I’m getting stronger everyday!
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Bren: Professional Rock Climbing Dentist. Who has time to go to the dentist with all these rocks to crush?
Amaya: I want to be a gymnast and rock climber. Maybe compete in American Ninja Warrior!
Bella: I’d love to be a professional rock climber, but I also love animals and would like to be a Veterinarian.
What’s the best thing about being able to climb with your siblings?
Bren: I like climbing with my sisters because they cheer me on. When we go outdoors I like to help them with beta to get to the next high point. Especially my little sister Amaya because she is around my size and she likes to try hard climbs outdoors.
Amaya: They give me lots of beta. We get to travel and camp and spend time together.
Bella: My brother and sister are such great climbers. They push me to be a better climber and learn from my mistakes.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Bren: I really love to run. I average over a marathon a month and I set the long distance record at my school last year at 245 miles. Before I started climbing, I competed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and won SJJIF Worlds in 2013 and came in 2nd in 2012.
Amaya: Give me a Tootsie Roll and I’ll be your best friend:)
---
Bella, Bren, and Amaya have Instagrams! Follow their sends here:
Bella: @bella_crushes
Bren: @bren_climbs
Amaya: @teenietinyamaya