From Domino’s to Dynos — Meet a Setter Who Moves with Intention
Jake Imperial is one of those setters whose routes feel alive—fast, flowing, and full of purpose. With nearly four years of experience and a growing resume across Texas gyms, Jake has made a name for himself in the routesetting world with a style that reflects his love of movement and momentum. Whether he’s dialing in tension-filled boulders at Austin Bouldering Project or sketching between sessions, Jake brings a creative calm to every wall he touches.
Quick Facts
Name: Jake Imperial
Role: Full-time Routesetter & Coach
Level: USAC Level 1 Certified
Home Gym: Austin Bouldering Project
Instagram: @jake.sets
TikTok: @jamperial
The Interview
What do you do for a living?
I’m a full-time routesetter!
How long have you been routesetting, and where are you now?
Almost 4 years now, and I’m currently setting at Austin Bouldering Project.
What level setter are you?
I hold a USAC Level 1 certification.
Which gyms have you set at?
I started at the climbing wall in the Texas A&M rec center, then set at StoneCo Climbing and InspireRock before landing at ABP.
What’s your favorite style to set and why?
I’m drawn to “compy” boulders—fast, coordination-heavy problems that mess with momentum. It’s what I love to climb, so it’s what I enjoy creating.
How did you first get into setting?
It felt like a natural progression from climbing. I started at my college rec wall like a lot of setters do, and just became obsessed with understanding movement.
What job titles have you had at gyms?
At every gym I’ve worked at—including now—I’ve held roles as both a setter and a coach.
Did you have a setting mentor?
Yes! Matt Martinez was the headsetter at StoneCo when I started. He helped me enjoy the process and break down movement with intentionality. He really demystified setting for me early on.
What makes a great climbing gym, in your opinion?
It has to be cold! But beyond that—welcoming staff, a clean space, and a focus on climbing. When the employees love being there, it really shows.
If you were a climbing hold, what would you be?
A sloper. You can’t fake a sloper—you have to commit your whole body to hold it well.
Go-to routesetting music?
Something chill and relaxing. The process is more slow and methodical than climbing, so hype music feels out of place to me.
What do you like to do for fun that’s not climbing?
Drawing, playing pickleball, and watching movies!
How would you describe your setting style?
I tend to set boulders that move quickly between positions—kind of like how I climb. But I push myself to set slower, more controlled problems too. The ones I’m proudest of always have a sense of tension or suspense.
If you could set for the Olympics, who would you be most excited to watch climb your boulders?
Janja. Watching her climb is already amazing, but seeing her on something I’ve set would give me an even deeper appreciation for her movement.
If you could have dinner with any celebrity, dead or alive?
Honestly, probably just a regular person from a long time ago. I think hearing about life from a different time would be fascinating.
One food for the rest of your life—what is it?
Pizza. I worked at Domino’s and still didn’t get tired of it.
If you were any animal, what would you be?
Some kind of bird. I’ve always dreamed about free flight.
What’s a surprising fact about you?
I love drawing and making art in general!
Follow Jake
- Instagram: @jake.sets
- TikTok: @jamperial
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