Derik Rodgers is a senior at Salisbury University pursuing a major in environmental studies and a minor in outdoor education. After getting to know Derik, it is hard to imagine a major that would suit him better. Not only does Derik spend a majority of his time outside, he spends it high up on mountains.
Ever since 2009, when he went on a backpacking trip to Grand Tetons National Park with his best friend and family, Derik has been in love with the mountains. He recalls being blown away as he looked out the window of the small airplane as it was landing and watched the mountains get bigger and bigger.
On the trip, Derik backpacked and camped all around those mountains. As fun as the hiking was, he found it most exhilarating to climb up and over giant boulders. It was on this trip that Derik’s passion for climbing began. However, he would not get serious about it until 2011.
Once he jumped in, there was no looking back. Today, Derik climbs up mountains by free climbing with gear, bouldering, deep water soloing, and sport climbing when possible, but uses various harnesses/haul systems when necessary.
He has an estimated 400 climbs under his belt, with every intention of continuing.
For the past three summers Derik has spent his time working at Summit, a sleep away camp in West Virginia as both a climbing instructor and sustainability interpreter. Derik loves the summer because it gives him the opportunity to climb every day and share his passion with others.
(A view Derik got to enjoy after finishing a climb in West Virginia.)
There have been several crazy experiences that Derik has had while climbing. One of the most intense experiences involved Derik getting stuck on a tiny ledge after running out of rope from missing an anchor, talking his climbing buddy through how to help, creating a make-shift rope from all his gear and a sweatshirt, and then having to make a 30-ft. leap, that resulted in him smacking into the side of the mountain and cracking his helmet.
“Once we finally got back down, we went to the camp store, bought a couple cliff bars and water bottles, and hiked up to do it again,” Derik said.
The amount of passion Derik has behind what he does is nothing short of inspirational. To Derik, climbing is more than a sport, it is a place for him to be himself and see what he is truly capable of accomplishing. It takes a lot of bravery, because climbing is not something that comes naturally.
Derik admits he’s afraid of heights, “but I know what I am doing. I know how all the systems work so that I can limit the risk as much as possible. I have gotten beaten up by the mountains before, so as I grow and mature I learn as much as I can,” Rodgers said. It is you and maybe two other people up there, and it’s the combination of both of your skills and experience that keeps you alive.”
After graduation, Derik will be working as the Ropes Coordinator at a YMCA camp in Hardwick, New Jersey. He is absolutely ecstatic to see where the position will lead him.
Derik has such a positive spirit. I believe this is why he is able to be so successful in tackling challenges both on and off the mountain. I asked Derik what it was like attending college in a location that is probably one of the farthest things from mountainous.
“You can find beauty anywhere. Man, this place is gorgeous. I wish I had recognized that sooner,” Rodgers said.
Despite the fact that pursuing a career in climbing does not require a college degree, Derik has still managed to graduate with a major and a minor in only four years. Derik is one of the smartest and most dedicated people I know. His passion, his courage, and his positive mindset are by far my favorite things about Derik Rodgers and I know he will go off and do amazing things.
(All photos were provided by Derik Rodgers.)