Member Highlight: Jesse Morris

Happy Member Highlight Monday! This week we get to know Source Member Jesse Morris. You may have seen Jesse’s dog Helio hanging out by the Setter’s Room (you know, back when we could all gather at the Source *sigh*). Jesse has been climbing with us since the beginning, and no matter what is going on in the world, he will always greet you with his awesome smile. Now let’s get to know our friend a little more….

“What attracted me to climbing actually started when I was in the Battle Ground fire department. I had taken a rope rescue course where we used ropes to rappel off the top of a building to rescue people on balconies in a fire situation. It was the beginning of it all. It was so thrilling I took a bunch of other courses involving rope rescue and met a climbing friend that was into trad climbing. I was 18 when I volunteered at the fire dept, and have been climbing off and on ever since.”

“I remember hearing about the Source when the building construction was going on. I was super excited to stay on this side of the river for an indoor gym.”

“One of my favorite memories of climbing was when a friend of mine informed me that they had never even been to smith rock. So the next morning we got up and packed all my gear in a backpack and him and I rode our motorcycles out to Smith. We had a super awesome day but because I didn't bring my guide book, we ended up climbing tough routes. By the time we headed home we couldn't help but laugh that we didn't think about having to hold our arms up for the 3 hour ride home. It was horrible and great all at once.Still makes me smile today.”

Jesse had some advice for the younger climbing community, but we agree climbers of any age should listen: “The piece of advice I would give is to always practice safety. Safety safety safety. No one ever wants to get hurt and that should always be on the forefront of every climb. Never get lazy with checks and rechecks, communication and watching your partner when climbing with friends outdoors. Even on "easy" routes.” We couldn’t agree more with Jesse. Always, always do those equipment checks, even with your partner you’ve been climbing with for a decade.

Check back every Monday for a little history lesson on our members, and don’t forget this Thursday April 23rd is the next installment of Ask the Source, featuring our Setters! Check out our instagram for the registration link to be Zoom chat with Hanz, Joe and Bryan!