Matt Segal (born May 8, 1984) is an American professional climber."Sports|'Unexplored' China? Not for Long...". New York Times, May 31, 2016 He participates in a variety of climbing activities including single-pitch traditional climbing and bouldering."Matt Segal Bags 2nd Ascent of Carbondale Short Bus (5.14-)". Rock and Ice, By Hayden Carpenter, 3 April 2015."Traditional Ethics in Boulder Canyon". Mountains and Water, April 26, 2008
Early life and education
Originally from Miami, Florida, Segal learned to climb in a gym as a child."Q&A: Will Stanhope talks sky-high adventures". Vancouver Sun, By Shawn Conner, Special To The Sun November 11, 2015 He studied religion at Naropa University.
Career Segal began climbing in 1998, competing in indoor competitions across the United States and Europe. After the 2004 climbing competition season, he transitioned to outdoor climbing.
At Squamish in 2006 Segal and his climbing partner Sonnie Trotter climbed The Shadow , The Grand Wall 5.13b, and The Black Dyke 5.13b on the Stawamus Chief all free in a single 12-hour session.
Matt Segal worked with National Geographic on an archaeological exploration of 800-year-old man-made caves high on rock faces in the Mustang Region of Nepal. He was recruited for his climbing skills as well as his education in religious studies.
In 2014, Segal was featured in the film Karsts of China, highlighting Enshi Grand Canyon National Park and the Stone Forest."Climbing China's Incredible Cliffs", 06.07.2014 Planetmountain.
In 2015 Segal lived in Boulder, Colorado. He sometimes partners with Canadian climber Will Stanhope."Teen climbing camp a successful model". PiqueBy Lynn Martel,"The Top 7 Climbing Achievements of 2015". Rock and Ice, 09-Dec-2015 By Hayden Carpenter
Segal has also begun climbing and paragliding with fellow climber Cedar Wright."Flying Off Mexico’s Highest Peak With (Almost) Zero Experience". Men's Journal, by Lauren Steele The pair traveled to China in 2015 for National Geographic, where they were photographed with Emily Harrington climbing the Red Dragon sport route."How to Capture China’s Wildest Formations? By Drone, of Course.". Outside, By: Chad Copeland
In 2016, he appeared with Harrington and Stanhope in the film Boys in the Bugs, which screened as part of the Reel Rock Film Tour."Mr. Movie review: ‘Reel Rock 11’ to show Nov. 11 in Richland". Tri City Herald, November 10, 2016 By Gary Wolcott."Climber Brette Harrington brings elevated perspective to Reel Rock adventure series". Vancouver Courier, Erin McPhee October 17, 2016 Also in 2016 Segal and Wright began paragliding down after their climbs."Accomplished rock climbers go to new heights". 9 News, Blair Shiff, June 20, 2016.
Completed traditional ascents
Iron Monkey 5.14 (1st ascent FA) Eldorado Canyon, CO"Matt Segal Interview - Friday, July 11, 2008". Climbing. The End of the Beginning 5.13 (1st ascent FA) Rocky Mountain National Park, CO Cobra Crack 5.14b, Squamish, BC Deadline 5.14- (2nd all gear ascent) Boulder Canyon, CO Trippin 5.13 (2nd ascent) Eldorado Canyon, CO Free Line 5.13 R Eldorado Canyon, CO Frayed Line 5.13 R Eldorado Canyon, CO Surfs Up 5.13 R Eldorado Canyon, CO Death of a Cowboy 5.13- Indian Creek, UT Less than Zero 5.13- Indian Creek, UT Ruby's Café 5.13- (Flash) Indian Creek, UT Triple X 5.13 R/X (2nd ascent) Vedauwoo, WY Chief Link-Up: Black Dyke 5.13, Free Grand 5.13 and The Shadow 5.13 (one day with Sonnie Trotter, over 20 pitches total) Squamish, BC The Free Rider Grade IV 5.12+ (33 Pitches El Capitan) Yosemite, CA
Bouldering
Forced Entry V12 Grampians, Australia Lost For Life V12 Grampians, Australia Eternia V12 Rocky Mountain National Park, CO Sun Spot V11 Rocky Mountain National Park, CO Bush Pilot V11 Rocky Mountain National Park, CO Barbed Wired Beard V11 Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
References
External links
Matt Segal's personal site Matt Segal's North Face athlete page Matt Segal's North Face blog Matt Segal's Bulumu athlete page "Cedar Wright and Matt Segal Trad Climbing in China", rockandice.com (video)