Every climbing route you’ve ever enjoyed didn’t just appear. Someone built it.

In this episode, I sit down with Matthew Laird to explore the often overlooked world of route development and the work that goes into creating the climbs so many people take for granted.

We break down the full process of route development, from finding lines and assessing rock quality to managing risk, safety, and environmental impact. Matthew shares the technical and creative challenges behind building routes, as well as the responsibility that comes with putting something permanent into the landscape.

This conversation also dives into the ethics of route setting, the subjectivity of grading, and the legal realities of developing climbs in protected areas. We explore how community, trust, and education play a role in shaping climbing culture, and why recognition for route developers often goes unnoticed.

If you’ve ever clipped bolts without thinking about how they got there, this episode will change how you see climbing.

Follow Matthew & TABVAR:

Instagram - @matt_laird_

Instagram - @tabvar_climb

Facebook - www.facebook.com/groups/tabvar/

Website - www.tabvar.org

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Contact Me: www.plantoendure.com

Instagram: @plan.to.endure

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