Five minutes with Leander Schäffer: next generation competition climber

We had the chance to interview the successful next generation competition climber, Leander Schäffer (DOB 1999). Leander won silver in 2013 in the Nordrhein- Westfalen regional championship in Bochum and can also be very proud of his third place in the Nothern German Bouldering Championship in Braunschweig.

1. Leander, how long have you been climbing and how did you start?
I have been regularly climbing with a focus on performance for about 1.5 years.
The first time was with my class where I got my toprope licence. Half a year later, I really got into it.

2. What has been your biggest personal achievement? Why do you enjoy climbing so much?
My biggest personal achievement was my 3rd place in the Nothern German Bouldering Championship but I am also proud of a few of my crag projects.
Climbing is different to other sports: it is more versatile, more exciting and more interesting than other sports.

3. What does your training plan look like?
I train about 3-5 times per week for 2 hours. My training is usually in the climbing gym in Buchholz but also often in Hamburg/Wilhelmsburg at Nordwandhalle. I have also recently started training at Kletterstützpunkt in the Hamburg climbing gym.

4, What is your long term goal as a competition climber? Which competitions are you preparing yourself for?
I am currently preparing for the Northern German Championship (lead climbing).
In the coming months and years I want to keep competing and become a member of the Northern German climbing squad. An climb harder.

5. What 3 tips would you give to other climbers, in order to perform and have fun when climbing?
i. Just go climbing and don’t focus on the grades
ii. Going climbing with friends is fun and keeps your motivated
iii. Climb routes that are too hard for you. If you only go bouldering, try also going climbing and vice versa – sometimes it makes a big difference

Thank you for the insights into the life as a competition climber. We are looking forward to watching your career develop and wish you all the best!