Climb Leader Pro le: Guy Wettstein

CLIMB LEADER PROFILE:

GUY WETTSTEIN

Residence: Wilsonville, OR Hometown: San Francisco

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A lineman for the county. Any hobbies or interests unrelated to hiking or climbing?

Music. I’ve played bass and guitar in bands since high school, at least until I started climbing. What are people surprised to learn about you?

I have a crush on Ryan Reynolds. What got you started climbing?

I read Into Thin Air and developed a fascination with mountaineering. Fifteen years later I decided to take BCEP. When and how did you become involved with the Mazamas?

I didn’t want my BCEP experience to end, so volunteering with the Mazamas was the best way to keep the dream alive. What was your path to becoming a climb leader?

I was impressed with how supportive and nurturing my climbing mentors were and thought maybe I could do that someday. After I was recommended for leadership coming out of ICS, I felt confident enough to give it a go. Guiding principle or philosophy for leading?

Find a strength in each member of the team and then value them.

Because it’s there, because it’s fun, because it’s hard, or just because?

Because all of those and more. I think it’s the process of climbing that I enjoy most. What is your favorite climb?

Unicorn Peak is a nice little climb that puts it all together. Best climbing memory?

Leading Shuksan this past summer was pretty special and absolutely beautiful. Proudest moment in climbing?

First Mt. Hood summit, obviously. Monkey Face was also a big deal for me.

Best Type 2 fun experience (miserable at the time, fun in retrospect)?

Rainout on Mount St. Helens. I haven’t been that wet swimming! What are your climbing goals for 2022 and beyond?

I’m taking Advanced Rock in the spring. I’d like to lead a few more of the 16 peaks and we have a family trip to Italy where I plan to get a few days climbing in the Dolomites. Favorite piece of gear?

My Patagonia R1 (jacket).

Guy Wettstein, Climb Committee Chair

Most treasured possession?

My ‘96 Takamine EF440C acoustic guitar. Favorite book(s) or movie(s)?

The Shawshank Redemption. Favorite book or movie about climbing or the Northwest?

Nordwand.

What are you reading now?

Just finished up Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman, by Yvonne Chouinard Favorite music?

As a musician, I really dig on almost everything. I go through various listening phases, though. Pet peeves?

Crumbs on the counter. People taking food off my plate without asking. How much more space do I have here? Person, living or dead, you are most interested in meeting?

Anthony Bourdain. Occupation?

Application Engineer at Siemens.