Introduction
Jay De Vera approaches climbing the same way she approaches design—thoughtfully, creatively, and with the end user always in mind. A psychology graduate with a computer science minor, Jay blends problem-solving, aesthetics, and movement both on the wall and behind a screen. From discovering climbing during a summer of “too much free time” to pursuing routesetting as a craft and service, Jay’s journey highlights the art behind the climbs we love to solve.
Quick Facts
Name: Jay De Vera
Education: Psychology degree, Computer Science minor (Texas A&M, 2023)
Routesetting Level: Working toward USAC Level 1
Current Gyms: Inspire Rock (Houston)
Other Work: Freelance UI/UX Designer
Jay De Vera Interview
Background & Career Goals
Q: What is your educational background?
A: I graduated from Texas A&M in December 2023 with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Computer Science.
Q: What do you want to do career-wise long term? And why?
A: Alongside routesetting, I do freelance UI/UX design, which focuses on making websites and apps functional, usable, and aesthetically pleasing. I like work that blends problem solving with creativity, and both routesetting and design scratch that itch for me.
Routesetting Journey
Q: What level routesetter are you?
A: I’m currently working toward my USAC Level 1 certification.
Q: How did you get into rock climbing?
A: I was hobby surfing with a friend one summer because we had way too much time on our hands. Eventually, we climbed at Inspire Cypress for the first time, and I was instantly hooked.
Q: How did you get into routesetting?
A: While I was a student at Texas A&M, I started routesetting at the Rec Center’s climbing facility. I had only been climbing for about nine months at that point, but the moment I heard applications were open, I knew I wanted to explore that side of climbing.
Setting Philosophy
Q: What is your favorite thing about rock climbing? And why?
A: The problem-solving aspect is what really drew me in. Climbing is mentally challenging as much as it is physical. That’s also why routesetting appealed to me early on—I liked the idea of creating the puzzles instead of just solving them.
Q: What advice would you give to people wanting to be a routesetter?
A: Be a team player. Routesetting is a creative outlet, but it’s also a service to the climbing community. The best way to put out high-quality routes is to work collaboratively with your fellow routesetters.
Q: What gyms do you set at now, and where have you set in the past?
A: I currently set at the Inspire Rock gyms in Houston. Previously, I set at Stone Co. Climbing in College Station and before that at the Texas A&M Rec Center.
Q: What has been your favorite gym to set at? And why?
A: Inspire Cypress. There’s a great variety of wall angles and resources, which allows us to do some really creative and interesting setting.
Q: What style of climbs do you enjoy setting most?
A: I love setting technical, static, flowy climbs. There are plenty of setters who specialize in dynamic, powerful movement, so I like to offset that and bring something different to the wall.
Fun & Personality Questions
Q: If you were a rock climbing hold, which one would you be? And why?
A: An LA small, crimpy rail. It’s not the biggest or coolest hold in the set, but it’s happy to be included.
Q: What do you like to do for fun outside of climbing?
A: I dabble in a lot of hobbies—hiking, bowling, and pickleball are a few of them.
Q: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? And why?
A: The Philippines. That’s where my family is from, and it’s a beautiful place with an incredible culture.
Q: What was your dream job as a kid? And why?
A: I wanted to be a detective. I grew up watching Sherlock Holmes and a lot of crime shows, both fictional and documentary-style.
Q: What is your go-to routesetting music? And why?
A: Usually background-style music like lo-fi or movie and video game soundtracks. Recently, I’ve also been getting into podcasts while setting.
Q: If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: This might be cheating, but I’m picking the Harry Potter movies. I already marathon the entire series on repeat anyway.
Q: What is a fun fact about you people would be surprised to learn?
A: I’m naturally left-handed, but I was taught in school to write right-handed.
Social Media
Q: What social media handles can people follow you on?
Instagram:
- @jay_dv321
- @jaydevera_climbs
thedihedral.com 