Explore Climbing is owned and operated by Alex Ruscior and Read Macadam.

XC was created by Alex when he decided to experiment and build his own training tools to support his own progress in climbing. In fact, from childhood in Romania Alex was already building intricate and flying wooden airplane models and by this time in 2012 he was an expert carpenter and accomplished ice, trad and sport climber. True to the core climbing spirit, Alex spent free time during the following years touring European trade shows and climbing events to share Explore Climbing with the world. In addition to XC, Alex is partner in one of Torino, Italy’s leading bouldering gyms Escape Climbing Garden which he designed and built 2017. Check it out for a sample of what we can do!

In 2017 Read Macadam joined Alex as a partner. Read is from Canada, but he met Alex while climbing in 2014 in Baile Herculane, Romania, when they spent a soaking wet day at the crag – motivated to the core! In the following years Alex and Read did at least one trip each year from bolting and bouldering in remote canyons to ground-up equipping and first ascents in southern Oman. Before partnering in XC Read was huge fan of the training tools – one of the few XC sponsored climbers – and he used them to establish first ascents on many routes up to 8c where he lived in Oman.

We use wood because wood because it is simply beautiful! But it doesn’t just look great; it is natural, renewable, sustainable and its characteristics make it an ideal training tool because of its inherent properties:

1. Wood grain is less gritty than resin so we can train harder for longer without traumatizing our skin.
2. The texture of wood compels us to train our grip more effectively by forcing us to use our muscles without relying solely on friction.

From the birth of hardcore sport climbing and training, the climbing legends used self-created wooden holds simply because it was the only easily crafted material available.

As climbing exploded in popularity, mass produced resin holds became the norm and so training on wood remained underground, where it originated. Now that training for climbing is popular, the climbing world is recalling its wooden heritage from the basements and attics of our heroes and recreating it in major gyms.

At seven years old I became fascinated with wood working. I was building motor-less wooden airplane models for competition, an exacting and rewarding experience that totally engrossed my life. At the same time I began to explore the mountains with my elder brother, solidifying my passion for the outdoors.

To me wood is truly a living material. Over the years I have developed a strong affinity for its diversity in the wild and how, through the woodworking process, I can transform its shape and feel and even its smell. The connection between nature, woodworking and climbing captivates me and so I am driven to continually improve my climbing and carpentry through innovation and experimentation.

For twenty years these two passions guided my life as separate endeavours. Then, in 2013 I had an epiphany, realizing that I could join them both. Therefore, Explore Climbing was born.

The mountains and carpentry have taught me that training and experimentation are essential components if we wish to surpass our limits. Climbing is a physical and spiritual journey that helps us deal with each new challenge with respect and determination.

See you at the crag. Buona scalata a tutti i climber

Alex