Working the wide hands pitch on The Polish Route, The Hulk, Bridgeport CA
Leading off belay, ElCap Yosemite CA
Skot Richards has been rock climbing for 8 years and bigwall climbing in Yosemite for 6 years. He enjoys all types of climbing, but he’s most drawn to aid climbing. The technical aspect and problem solving requirements of bigwall climbing are what draws him to the big stone. Almost from the beginning Skot started modifying and making his own gear, his interest in tinkering has lead to creating some new and innovative gear for bigwall climbing.
In his professional life he’s a blue collar working man. He was a union ironworker for a decade before leaving the trade and becoming a container crane mechanic in the LA harbor. Specializing in crane relocation, modernization and modification. He's a certified rigger, heavy lift specialist and an experienced welder who takes his craft seriously.
Skot leading the Molar Traverse on Mescalito, ElCap, Yosemite Ca
Photo Credit: Tom Evans
Cleaning a beak pitch while Mark hauls kit.
Skot and Mark traditional summit picture after their successful ascent of Genesis, ElCap Yosemite CA
Skot hauling kit on the canoe pitch, Flight of the Albatross, ElCap Yosemite CA
Photo Credit: Tom Evans