A Dive Into Hugo Garcia’s Rock Climbing Journey

This week on Ganadoras from LatiNation, rock climber Hugo Garcia joins the set to share his knowledge on rock climbing as one of the very few Latino rock climbing gym owners in the LA area.

Hugo has been practicing the sport for nearly a decade. His journey into the rock climbing, however, wasn’t straightforward, as it was costly and hard to find it in his community. But, over time, Hugo was able to access a climbing gym, and it has since become a huge part of his life.

Now, he’s sharing his knowledge, aiming to inspire others to get into climbing and make the sport more inclusive. He’s traveled all over the world, scaling breathtaking locations in Laos, Greece, Turkey, and more, and he has some incredible stories to tell about his adventures.

Hugo Garcia explains the benefits of rock climbing and how it has impacted his life, on Ganadoras

One of the things Hugo discussed in this episode is how there are different types of climbing. He said, “In bouldering you don’t need a rope, you just need a chalk bag, a pair of shoes, and something to climb.” He explained that there are two main types of rope climbing — sport and traditional — and went into detail about the difference between them. For anyone interested in the technical side of climbing, this is a great introduction.

Hugo also opened up about the challenges he faced when starting out. “The biggest challenge was accessibility,” he said, pointing out that there was only one gym in Los Angeles, and it was expensive. It took him almost 12 years to get into his first bouldering gym. But things have changed a lot since then, and now, “there are 8 to 9 gyms in the greater Los Angeles,” making climbing much more accessible to people today.

One thing that notably stands out about Hugo is his passion for his community. When he started climbing, there weren’t many Latinos in the gym.

He shared a story: “I remember going to my first bouldering gym and there really weren’t any Latinos. I was the only one. A few months in, I noticed another Latino, who had a Mexico jersey and looked like me. We eventually got closer, and today we are friends.” This just shows how climbing can bring people together and form long-lasting friendships.

Hugo also shared some great tips for anyone interested in getting into climbing. According to him, balance is even more important than strength. He says, “You don’t technically have to be super strong. If you have a sense of balance, it’s your feet that get you higher.” So, if you’ve ever worried that you’re not strong enough to climb, Hugo’s got you covered — it’s more about balance and technique than just muscles.

And for those thinking about trying outdoor climbing, Hugo has some solid advice: try different types of rock! He’s climbed in many places, and the differences in rock types and styles made an enormous impact on his experience. “Any time climbing outside is a good time. I recommend if you get into outside climbing, try the different varieties of rock that you will be climbing.”

Throughout the episode, you can feel how much Hugo loves climbing, not just as a sport but as a way of life. It’s helped him build strong friendships and even develop healthier habits. “My best friends right now are all climbers. It’s a community of people with the same beliefs and goals,” he explained. Climbing has also kept him accountable in his own life, helping him focus on self-improvement and stay grounded.

For anyone curious about getting started, Hugo’s advice is simple: listen to your body, form good habits, and enjoy the journey. “It’s very important to have good habits, making sure the diet and resting is good. Listening to your body is one of the things I like about it.”

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