RANIEL DIAZ

on Starting Late, Staying Strong & Loving the Climb

When Raniel Diaz first stepped into Coeur Climbing, it was to watch his son Weston scale the walls with surprising ease. What began as a supportive dad moment quickly evolved into a passion of his own. A year later, Raniel has become a familiar face in the gym—encouraging others, sharing wisdom, and embracing every challenge the wall throws at him. In this spotlight, he reflects on his unexpected journey into climbing, the lessons it’s taught him, and the deep community connections he and his family have found along the way.

What initially drew you to climbing, and what was your first impression?

My son Weston has always been a bit of a monkey throughout his early years.  He's ended up on tops of lamposts, 60 feet in a tree, and anywhere there is a vertical-journey opportunity. We never equated his climbing skills with a sport like bouldering because we were pretty unaware of the activity. We were invited by our good friend, Mason Keough, to try out Coeur Climbing. His guarantee that we’d enjoy our time was immediately satisfied as I watched Weston climbing up his first V1. It almost seemed like he was walking up the wall. My first impression of the gym was much different than our previous experiences with walls with holds. Prior to this experience we seemed to think things happened at a slower pace, and we were loaded with harnesses and helmets and had so many rules that we would move on to other activities. It was soon after this that I realized I was doing a lot of watching, but why didn't I just give it a go, too?  

Outside of climbing, what other hobbies or interests do you have?

Outside of climbing, physically I have been involved in weekly coached strength training, long walks with my wife, and occasionally getting out on the road bike for a ride. I'm very involved with our church and spend most early mornings in prayer with others. I love reading the Bible and as many books as I can throughout the day. I'm active in being available to others, and love that my occupation in real estate leads to a very flexible lifestyle that allows me to give back. I'm primarily interested in people. I love hearing people's stories and enjoy getting to know people from all walks of life. 

How has being a member of Coeur Climbing impacted you?

We have grown to LOVE the community of climbers at Coeur. We really haven't met anyone we didn't completely enjoy climbing around or with. The staff here is amazing and really models more than just employment, but genuine care. It's shown me that even with the occasional competition, it is possible to have a sport that is bathed in love, encouragement and deep desire to see others do very well. I can't say enough good things about the community that is found within Coeur Climbing.

What important lessons have you learned from climbing that translate into other areas of your life? 

In my old age, I've become quite comfortable with failure.  I've grown to love a day when I top (get to the top of) zero climbs! It sometimes carries on for a couple sessions and in my stubbornness, I'm more than willing to try something a hundred times. That's why I sometimes appear a little too enthusiastic about an intermediate finish. I think the lesson that I've translated over from life to the gym is the truth that challenges are good. Making small improvements over time leads to significant personal reward. 

Have you had any climbing partners or peers outside of climbing who have significantly impacted your journey? How have they influenced you?

I have often sought the counsel of older, wiser men in my life. Call it discipleship or mentoring, I've enjoyed spending time with other guys and getting a glimpse into life 10, 20, 30 years down the road. I think it's really important to be mentored and to mentor others.  I love working with the youth at our church and love to see when they get a chance to climb at Coeur. They keep me youthful and I stay somewhat aware of the crazy shifts going on in the world. I've loved becoming friends with Mason and his wife Bella.  Watching him become a National Paralympic Climbing Champion, a movie star with a big Coeur Premier, as well as becoming a sparkling new husband has made this past year one to never forget! If it were not for Coeur, some of these things would likely not have happened. Well probably still his wedding...

In what ways has climbing contributed to your physical health and fitness, or your mental health and wellbeing? 

Climbing has been an awesome supplemental strength-building activity in this season. I've come to the slow realization that I need to take more time stretching and warming up, which I'm not sure if I've managed to fully execute even after my first full year of climbing. One of my gym favorites has what we have affectionately called a period of time to "catch up" then "warm up" and finally "climb up." I'm slowly learning the mental and artistic aspects of the sport. I have found myself pushed to the limits at times and needing some physical repair as I've picked up a few bumps, bruises, and hyperextended fingers. My physical health has probably never been better overall and I would attribute a good portion of this to the ability to get to the gym whenever we want to. There are so many things about climbing that can't be replicated in a traditional gym workout.

Not sure if this fits, but as a dad, I see parenting similar to how I see the journey I've been on. My primary role is to give my son and daughter the tools to become adults and be aware that they are indeed ready for life ahead, through training, equipping, and practicing new things. They can choose what character attributes they want to carry along with them. I can only pray that they become an improved version of their parents! 

How do you see climbing impacting your life as you move forward?  

We have had an incredible time with the competitive team in the past year, and our eyes have been opened to the beauty and thrill of exploring different regions and finding boulders in the great wide open. Angus, Anna, and the team had a chance to try some climbs near Leavenworth near the end of summer last year. It was so beautiful and challenging. Our recent family trip to South Africa had us exploring some local climbing gyms (cityROCK and Bloc11) in Cape Town. I anticipate taking our new bouldering mat with us on road trips and trying to grab a climb or two wherever we may go.

   
What advice would you offer someone who is new to climbing or thinking about trying it out? 

I would encourage anyone new to enjoy the journey–  the destination is not the top of the wall, but a greater understanding of the complexity and joy of the sport of climbing.  It's not the strongest that makes the best climber, it's those who spend time even when they feel like they're not making progress. It's not giving up, but knowing you can always come back tomorrow to finish a project. Also, get your friends involved. Climbers have so much fun together!

If you could describe your experience in the climbing community in one word, what would it be and why? 

One word: "FAMILY". I thought of the words love or community as well, but the sum of the two is likely Family. In just one short, eventful, and full year, we have found more family at this incredible place called Coeur Climbing. We remain grateful for all the fun we've experienced and the diverse community of smiles and encouraging words. We look forward to many years to come of adventures in bouldering.

Thank you, Raniel, for sharing your story with us! 

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