Mayan Smith-Gobat                                                    

ClimbingAction has been watching the rise in the climbing career of an understated but exceptionally strong and continually progressing climber; Mayan Smith Gobat.  For the last seven years Mayan has been pushing herself and climbing standards at her home crags in New Zealand.  She has essentially maxed out her local standards by opening first ascents up to 8b+ (5.14a) and traveled extensively in Europe in order to hone the edge of her abilities. 

September 2005 Mayan became the first female in New Zealand to climb a grade 30 (5.13c) and on sighted routes up to 8a (5.13b), ticking progressively harder routes at Rodellar and Siurana, Spain and throughout France. 

We caught up with Mayan Smith-Gobat shortly after wrapping up her amazing trip to France.  We were psyched to hear what was driving the Kiwi climber who, following a long recovery from a knee Injury, put together a string of remarkable ascents culminating in L'arcademicien (8c, 5.14b) at Ceuse. 

We put a few questions to Mayan to see what she is doing and where her smoking hot climbing career is going.

ClimbingAction: What are you working on right now and what has been the highlight of your trip?

Mayan: The highlight was climbing "L'arcademicien". It was a perfect and unexpected ending to a great trip,  especially as I feel this is only a beginning and believe I can keep improving. I just arrived in the USA, on my way Yosemite Valley, where my next challenge is to learn to climb cracks and with the hope of free climbing a route on El Capitan. In addition, my long-term project is finding a way to make this trip only the beginning of a life of climbing in Europe.

ClimbingAction: What have you learned climbing in the last few months?

Mayan: Many things, I am constantly learning… But this trip I have attempted to be more patient, rest more and approach every attempt with careful consideration, focusing on quality rather than quantity. I believe this focus combined with my natural fire and commitment, lead to my success on "L'arcademicien". I have also tried to let go of my expectations and desire for success, which has enabled me to live in the moment and truly focus on my climbing.

ClimbingAction: What has been the main ingredient to your brilliant rise to the top of
worldwide standards?

Mayan:  A sustained determination and a true love of climbing, combined with my inherent desire to improve has caused me to train hard, dedicate myself to climbing and therefore improve. I have an insatiable desire to climb… for me it is like an unquenchable thirst, which does not decrease by drinking… Rather, on the contrary, the more I climb and improve, the more I want to climb and the more urgent my desire to improve becomes. It is an ever-perpetuating cycle, which has led me to where I am now.

ClimbingAction: What do you see on the horizon of your climbing career?

Mayan: Climbing, climbing and more climbing!

So, what has Mayan got that sets her apart from so many other climbers that are pulling hard routes? If it's not already obvious, she has what arguably is the most important quality for any elite climber to embrace:  passion.   A passion for the sport, a passion to go beyond limits and a passion to make an impact are an absolute must for every top athlete.  Mayan is the picture of a passionate climber who puts every ounce of effort and every bit of her deepest self into decimating limitations and redefining what is possible. 

Mayan has just completed a trip to Yosemite Valley, where, as a result of an incoming storm, she needed to quickly hurry through an ascent of Free Rider on El Cap and was unable to get to her project Golden Gate - this time.  For a full report, check out the link below.

As long time Valley Stonemaster John Long noted years ago:  It's never crowded at the top, but the queue is long and others are banging at the door. Valley climbers take note!  Mayan will be back.

Mayan's blog:http://mayangobat.wordpress.com/

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