No. 642 Michael Friedrichs, 2010

File — Box: 68, Folder: 15

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Michael Friedrichs (1959) was exposed to climbing during his high school years, mentored by his swimming coach and regional climbing great Layne Kapischka. Mike attended the University of Wyoming, studying Statistics, and during his college years, he climbed at Vedauwoo, in Wyoming, also making a number of trips to Yosemite to climb big walls. He describes the "regional" climbing culture of the 1970s, identifying this characteristic as one that has changed over the years. He moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1988 and discovered Utah climbing at an exciting and transitional moment, as route development burgeoned with the use of rappel-bolting and the development of sport climbing. Mike has been involved in new route development in Longs Canyon, near Moab, and was a key figure in new route development in the San Rafael Swell. Mike shares his thoughts on the supportiveness of the local community, identifying inspiring climbers as those who remain humble and kind even as they push the limits of climbing.
Outdoor Recreation Oral History Project.
Interviewer: Matt Driscoll

Dates

2010

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.