This past weekend at the Outdoor Retailer in Salt Lake City, we were on a hunt to find out why climbers climb. On this mission, we had the opportunity to meet some of the most inspiring climbers around to hear why they do what they do.

Here’s what they had to say:

“I have no choice!” — Cedar Wright

I have no choice!

– Cedar Wright

“It is better than soccer.” — Paul Robinson

It is better than soccer.

– Paul Robinson

“It’s my LIFE!” — Ashima Shiraishi

It’s my LIFE!

– Ashima Shiraishi

“It allows me to escape reality!” — Daniel Woods

It allows me to escape reality!

– Daniel Woods

“Who doesn’t want to be as high as they can be?” — Nina Williams

Who doesn’t want to be as high as they can be?

– Nina Williams

“It is better than curling! It is still legal. It rocks. Full body work out. You get better when older.” — Hans Florine

It is better than curling! It is still legal. It rocks. Full body work out. You get better when older.

– Hans Florine

“I believe in a healthy, active lifestyle!” — Sasha DiGiulian

I believe in a healthy, active lifestyle!

– Sasha DiGiulian

“I’m too small for football!” — Dan Beall

I’m too small for football!

– Dan Beall

“Food is good.” — Michael O'Rourke

Food is good.

– Michael O’Rourke

“The boys are ripped!” — Alex Johnson “And so am I!” — Meagan Martin

The boys are ripped!

– Alex Johnson

And so am I!

– Meagan Martin