Eric Monroe
Eric belays a client as they rappel off a cliff edge.
I grew up in Southern Wisconsin and have always enjoyed being active and competitive. When my friends and I were not playing organized team sports, we were always coming up with different games to play together and stay active, including a long weekend of disc golf, camping, and shenanigans that became an annual tradition 10 years running.
I went to school at UW Madison, where I studied Civil Engineering, played club lacrosse, and was involved in the ski club. While I was in school, I studied abroad for a semester in Melbourne Australia. This trip was very influential to me in several ways. While I was there, I discovered Aussie Rules Football or “footy”, a sport that would quickly become a huge part of my life. When I returned, I got involved with a fledgling team in Madison, which has allowed me to travel, compete, and make friends all over the country.
While in Australia, I also got involved with the outdoors program, another monumental step in becoming the person I am today. Over the next several years I reprioritized my life and career ambitions to include as much travelling and exploring the outdoors as possible. I took trips all over the Western US, Canada, Sweden, back to Australia, Japan, and eventually to Yosemite CA, where I discovered the vast potential of climbing and what it could add to my life.
After that trip, I bought whatever gear I could afford and started learning everything I could about the sport. I got out to Devils Lake every chance I had, and took trips all over the US, including West Virginia, Las Vegas, Joshua Tree, and Yosemite. I have never fallen in love with anything like I have climbing, and I know it will be a passion for the rest of my life. I relish every opportunity I get to share that love with anyone who will listen.
Today my wife Caitlin and I live full time in our trailer with our cat, Lou, and travel for construction projects around the country. Wherever we are, we spend our time climbing, surfing, biking, playing footy, and enjoying each other’s company.