Our Athletes
We work with inspirational climbers who share our values and passion.
Jen Wood
Jen discovered climbing through the classic birthday party when she was 11, she was psyched on loads of sports and it wasn't until she discovered climbing comps that she really got into it.
One of the recent high points for Jen was conquering her first 8c in Kalymnos this past June. With the uncertainty of competitions this year, she managed to squeeze in some climbing and lucked out with great weather. Jen's now excited to keep pushing her limits outdoors.
Jen's usual indoor spot is Depot Armley. She loves the comp style moves and sick hold sets. Outdoors; Kalymnos is like a second home. But a recent trip to Ceuse left a big impression too!
Beyond climbing, Jen enjoys running, mainly for the adventure it brings. It started as a way to explore new places during comp trips, but now she gets way too psyched for Parkrun.
Jen's goals are to take gold at BBCs – she's been on the podium a few times but hasn't managed the top spot yet. She's also eyeing a 9a route – time for some "project shopping"!
Rich Winters
Rich began climbing when he was 9, he and some friends visited Froggatt Edge in the Peak District. They made a harness using some slings and chucked him on some easy classics, and he's been hooked since.
Rich loves Fontainebleau bouldering especially due to its subtleties, as well as the delicious pastries. Loves a bit of lead climbing on Peak Lime, Chee Dale is particularly lovely. When he was younger, he spent time bouldering in North Wales and wants to return for some harder blocs in the future.
As a full-time routesetter, Rich spends most of his time setting routes at climbing walls across the country. When he's not working, he likes spending time with his family, beating his son Bodhi at Tekken. Rich also loves working in his garden, which he finds relaxing and satisfying and enjoys seeing it progress and develop into a lovely relaxing space.
One of Rich's ongoing goals is to become a well-rounded climber proficient in various styles and angles, an important aspect of his routesetting work. He's found he has improved lots already but can always do better. Rich also wants to get outdoors more for inspiration and to send some hard blocs!
Leo “The Skindog” Skinner
Leo started on his climbing journey at the age of 8, when his dad took him and his brother to a local climbing center in Llangorse. Joining the club shortly after, he soon found himself venturing outdoors, exploring boulders. He properly started outdoor climbing at 10 and that brings him to today.
Among his favourite climbing experiences, Leo holds a special place for sending 'The Origin,' an 8B+ at Dinas Rock where his outdoor journey truly started. One unforgettable night, the last go was the send go at 3am with an impromptu spotter, "Big ups to that guy". Another cherished memory is from this summer where he climbed Malcs Start (8B) and his own Skindog Start (8B+) to Pool of Bethesda at Cromlech Boulders, a trip blending mountain antics with bouldering intensity.
For Leo, Brione stands as the pinnacle of climbing locales. He had a single day there where he climbed three boulders, which he regards as the best three he's ever done. North Wales ranks as his top location in the UK, best bouldering with excellent scenery.
Leo is about to start Sports and Exercise Science at Sheffield Hallam. Combining his fascination with athletic performance and climbing, he anticipates a rewarding journey ahead.
Leo aspires to Font 8C, a life goal he's had since early childhood. Coupled with his wanderlust, he envisions globe-trotting and sending cool climbs as the ultimate objective.
Emma Futcher
Emma was first introduced to climbing at the age of 5 (16 years ago) at Amersham Climbing Wall! She grew up training at Westway which will always remain in her heart as her favourite lead wall, alongside greatly enjoying bouldering at the Hang.
Summer of 2022, Emma had the opportunity to travel with the GB National team and compete at the lead European cups and Championships providing her much joy and a reminder of why she loves the sport so much!
Emma also had the opportunity to go climbing in Boulder, Colorado which remains her favourite place to climb outdoors!
Aside from climbing Emma is studying Sports and Exercise Science at the University of Nottingham. With the aim of further improving at climbing while enjoying the journey and life along the way either via competition or discovering outdoor climbing fully!
Tom Pearce
Ever since climbing Middle Fell Buttress with his Dad, Tom was captivated by the allure of traditional climbing in the UK. Spending holiday time in the Lakes and Pembroke with his family, his initial goal developed to be matching his Dad’s best grade of E3.
Thinking this would be near his lifetime best he spent 4 years casually looking for the most perfect climb. Lockdown for Tom brought an opportunity to get into training, something he'd never really spent time doing.
He emerged from 2020 a psyched and significantly stronger climber but still with relatively modest ambitions. The first 6 months of the year were an interesting journey, from HVS all the way (to his own surprise) up to leading Black Knight at Wainstones, a spicy E7 if done with the original gear.
Putting it simply, Tom just never expected the moves on such high grades to be so doable, but they just were. The following year brought Tom a lead on Heart and Sole E9. But still to this day he's not found that special E3!
At 16, Tom’s progress has been incredible and he continues putting the work into building his portfolio of routes and experiences on the rock. He has a few unique adventures planned in the coming year and we're incredibly psyched to share them with you all.
Stay tuned, this youth has some serious potential.
Franco Cookson
Franco is a rare breed.
Despite his youth he had a very authentic, traditional introduction to climbing. One that only the generations pre-modern gear would usually get. Hiking, scrambling and climbing everything as a kid; hills, trees and rock, then harder and higher rock, but all before being introduced to the world of sticky rubber climbing shoes, pads and proper gear.
Growing up in a small North Yorkshire Moors village where rock was a feature of the natural environment, he was surrounded by vertical challenges. He climbed because the instinctual curiosity was there asking, "can I get to the top of that?". His curiosity and love for the graft has no doubt lead to his progression into bolder and harder lines. Franco is after experiences; working lines on the edge of his ability and appetite for risk. Even when he's not climbing, he's looking for the next level of madness; launching himself down steep hills (partially controlled falling) which he sometimes refers to as training.
With friends Dave Warburton, Sam Marks and Matthew Ferrier he's been responsible for vastly increasing the number of established crags across the North York Moors. Over half of the new spots since 2003 will have been thanks to this group.
Cutting his teeth on the unique style in this region, Franco has now started moving further afield, looking for the next step up in grades. Having already climbed two of the four E11 trad routes which exist, and after years of dedication ticking Meltdown 9a, with his relentless psyche and determination we think he just might find that next step.
Sam Butterworth
Sam is one of the most promising competitive athletes we’ve come across. A junior bouldering and speed champion, member of the Precision Climbing team and after achieving GB youth squad status before COVID, he’s now preparing to go for the adult GB squad. If his squad pursuit goes well, Sam will be aiming to pocket World Cup and European medal and title wins with the eventual goal of representing GB at the 2028 L.A. Olympics.
A modest chap for how hard he climbs; always happy to help with beta although be warned, he'll make your proj look like a ladder if you let him loose on it. We're really honoured to be working with Sam. A home grown Yorkshire climber going for gold.
Tommy Matthews
Tommy Matthews is one of those kind, lovable humans who always seems to know someone in a room of strangers. And with good reason, a beam of absolute joy, we’re struggling to think of a time when he wasn’t smiling and engaging with new people. With an affinity to landing impressive dynos and sending hard projects, Tommy has had a fruitful journey through climbing so far. GB junior team member through 2013-2018, regular route setter at Flashpoint Bristol and The Climbing Hub, and now studying at Bradford Uni where he’s enjoying competing in the inter-university climbing league.
We invited Tommy onto our sponsored team back in June after he got in touch proclaiming his love for our liquid chalk. He was so psyched with the results when he tried it at Rock City, that he wanted to learn more about Gekco, our other products and the story behind the brand. We knew quickly, he was the perfect fit. A proponent of making environmentally friendly choices he saw first hand being a setter, the nightmare results of resin in liquid chalks on indoor holds and wanted to help spread the love for Gekco. It’s fair to say he likes our chalk... and put it this way, he sent his first 8a+ with Gekco. Just saying. It could be a coincidence.
Callum JOhnson
Callum is a strong, all round outdoor climber - a product of the unpredictable conditions in Scotland. After passing the halfway point of his Winter Triple Eight project (eight grade 8 winter routes on eight different mountain crags in one winter season), Callum set himself a new goal of completing the "Quad Eight Project". This involves climbing a grade 8 route in four different disciplines; Sport, Trad, Bouldering and Winter. The Quad Eight Project certainly suits the Scottish style, steering the journey to follow the conditions! So far, Callum has completed both sport and trad! Keep an eye out for “With The Seasons” in spring 2022, a film documenting the adventure!
After being introduced to climbing through his university club, Callum became hooked and a hobby turned into a passion. Lectures were spent checking weather and planning weekend climbing trips.
Making environmentally conscious decisions in all aspects of his life from combining cycle touring and climbing to buying locally produced foods. He sees climbers as some of the more environmentally aware groups of people out there - through our connection and interaction with nature we notice changes and are aware of the impact we have on our surroundings. Callum is currently working on a novel Wave Energy Technology project in the Scottish Highlands.
Callum shares Gekco's passion to make a difference, to change not just a product but the mindset of the climbing community. We use chalk every time we climb, it is a consumable single use product, one of the few like this in our sport. Improving not just the product itself but the whole supply chain, Gekco have created chalk products that are not only better for the environment but better for our skin as well.
Gus Turner
Gus has been climbing for 10 years now, starting out on the ROKT youth team and going through all the youth comps before stopping climbing completely for 2 years. It was only when he got back to it 3 years ago that he really gained a passion for outdoor bouldering and especially the process of projecting hard boulders.
Going from the point of not being able to do a single move and learning every nuance of a route to eventually climbing something he never imagined he would be capable of, is the most rewarding aspect of climbing for him. 8A was his big goal for a long time; one which until sending Zoo York, he really wasn’t sure was going to happen. Now it seems that with enough time any boulder will give in eventually so why not 8B next?
Travelling is another huge part of the reason Gus climbs. Fontainebleau being the usual destination of choice but he recently spent a week in Joshua Tree and is planning to get to Magic Wood later in spring.
Gus was first introduced to Gekco chalk by Tommy Matthews, someone who he has known since his junior comp career. Supporting sustainability is hugely important to Gus and despite being aware of the environmental damage the chalk industry does in Asia, there hadn’t really been an alternative product he’s seen. It’s just a bonus for him that this stuff sticks better than anything else he’s tried!
When he’s not climbing you’ll find him making music and running a recording studio. It’s gotta be the only studio with a training room and board hidden away in the back!
Hannah Kerr
Hannah was first introduced to climbing at Center Parcs and absolutely loved it. With her parents support she quickly progressed and started competing soon after. Her highlights are her two podium places at YCCF, Imst and meeting some great climbers there from all nationalities. In 2018, Hannah was selected for the GB Team and recently enjoyed climbing at her first Youth Worlds in Russia where she made semis - that was before the current Russian situation of course.
Not only does she enjoy climbing indoors but also has a passion for rock. She’s normally a fair weather climber (strange coming from Scotland!) and her favourite places to climb are Font, Arco and Margalef. One UK highlight was Sufferance (8a), which she said felt great and is now looking for opportunities to visit Kilnsey and Malham again and test herself more.
Hannah is currently developing her setting skills while working at ‘Hang On’. Hang-on, in Hamilton, was where she first came across Gecko chalk. After trying other brands she found that Gecko liquid chalk was easily the best for her overly sweaty palms and provides a naturally superior grip! She’s now tried the powdered chalk too and found it so soft and pure.
“I love that Gecko has no additives and is not harmful to the environment: I used it in Margalef recently and, apart from feeling relaxed about the environment, it helped me to ascend my quickest ever 8a route, Dr Feelgood’.
I’m so psyched to be part of the team and share the Gecko story.”
Reuse & Recycle
Finished your bottle? Return them to your local stockist for reuse. We collect, sterilise and refill them, ready for your next purchase in order to reduce the amount of plastic going through the waste system!
Our bottles are also 100% recyclable, so if returning them isn't possible they can be widely recycled.