Introduction
From crafting moves on the wall to crafting art at home, Asha Pradhan blends creativity and strength in everything she does. As an apprentice routesetter and long-time climber, Asha has developed a unique style full of burly movement and thoughtful design. Her journey from summer camp climber to professional setter shows just how much passion, mentorship, and community can shape a career. Outside the gym, Asha’s love of art and crafts adds even more dimension to her story.
Quick Facts
- Name: Asha Pradhan
- Profession: Apprentice Routesetter
- Years Climbing: 12 (seriously for 9)
- Home Gym: Ground Up, Squamish
- Favorite Style to Set: Burly overhangs with big moves
- Fun Fact: She’s half Nepalese and has hiked in the Himalayas
Getting Started in Setting
Q: How did you become a routesetter?
A: I was working at the Guelph Grotto and always wanted to try setting, so I started by just helping out with washing holds and team setting easier climbs. Over time, I got new opportunities to set harder climbs and routes as well as boulders. I knew I wanted to continue to pursue route setting in a professional way, and as I moved into other gyms, I tried to make time for developing my skills.
Q: What level routesetter are you?
A: I’m currently an apprentice level routesetter as I never applied for any additional certifications for setting.
Q: Where do you set routes at?
A: I was setting at Climber’s Rock in Burlington but now I set at Ground Up in Squamish.
Climbing Background
Q: How long have you been climbing for?
A: I’ve been climbing for 12 years now, but I would say only seriously for 9. My early introduction to climbing was through summer camp, and since there was no gym where I lived, I would only get to climb once a year.
Q: What got you into rock climbing?
A: Summer camp programs at the Guelph Grotto got me super into climbing. I went with a friend and instantly loved it!
Q: What is your favorite part of climbing?
A: My favorite part about rock climbing has always been the community. That’s what first got me into the sport—making friends and sharing a passion with others.
The Creative Side of Setting
Q: What is your favorite part of routesetting?
A: The creativity required to make new climbs. I love experimenting with new movement and new holds. It’s so fun and artistic. I enjoy seeing people work on my climbs and having thoughtful conversations about the movement.
Q: What style of routes do you like to set the most? And why?
A: I really like to set burly movement on overhangs: big holds, heel hooks, toe hooks, and lots of tension. I also tend to set larger moves even though I’m quite short!
Q: Who was your mentor in routesetting? What impact did they have?
A: My biggest mentor was Tom Wojtkowiak, who was the head setter at Aspire at the time I was setting there. His approach to setting was very creative, and his feedback kept myself and others on the team motivated and passionate. He really took the time to develop our team and create a space where everyone felt like they could contribute.
Beyond the Wall
Q: If you were a rock climbing hold, which one would you be? And why?
A: I’d probably be a crimp because my hands are small, and I always seem to be able to pull extra hard on small holds.
Q: What crafts do you like to do the most? And why?
A: I sew, knit, crochet, paint, draw, journal, and more. Out of all of them I like sewing and drawing the most. They’re very different—drawing is more creative with fewer instructions, while sewing is technical and requires following a pattern. I think the mix of both is probably why I also enjoy route setting.
Q: What is your favorite craft you’ve ever made? And why?
A: A pencil crayon drawing of a crane using white pencil crayon on black paper. It took me a year to finish and is one of my favorites ever.
Q: What got you into art?
A: I’ve always been very crafty. From a young age I was encouraged to explore creativity and try new hobbies. My mom was always very creative, and I think a lot of that comes from her.
Travel and Fun
Q: Where have you traveled to the most?
A: The US (mostly for climbing trips) and Europe (for climbing and leisure).
Q: Where would you like to travel to that you haven’t already? And why?
A: For climbing, South Africa. For non-climbing, Japan. It’s always a hard balance to decide whether to do a climbing trip or a fun trip.
Q: If you could have lunch with any person dead or alive, who would it be? And what would you order?
A: I’d have lunch with my husband Tom (he’s alive, don’t worry) because he’s my best friend. We’d probably go for tacos.
Surprises and Fun Facts
Q: What’s a fact about you people would be surprised to find out about you?
A: I’m half Nepalese and have hiked in the Himalayas.
Stay Connected with Asha
Follow more of Asha’s routesetting and creative adventures here:
- TikTok: Asha Pradhann
- YouTube: Asha Pradhan
- Instagram: @ashapradhan
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