Ben Preston

What is your preferred discipline within climbing and why?

I definitely prefer sport climbing. However, I’d say I probably boulder more. I like the endurance aspect of being on a rope and just the feeling of being high up on a route!

What's your favourite kind of rock?

This is a really difficult question! I love a good crimp so I feel like it’d be fair to say peak limestone, but I can’t stay away from the grit! I think I’d have to say the grit.

Which climber of any time in history would you like to belay you and to belay OR to spot or be spotted by ? and why?

I look up to so many climbers from the different generations so I had to think really hard about this. My first thought was Stefano Ghisolfi, he seems like a really nice guy and is obviously really strong. Then Jim Bridwell because he’d have so many cool stories to tell. However, I think ultimately Jerry Moffat would be my choice. He was the first famous climber I really looked up to and the time period he climbed through must have been great!

Do you have a ritual you perform before you start to climb?

Yes! It’s something I just developed by accident over the years. Some things I think I do just to make stuff easier, but rituals also help me focus; I’m in the zone from when I start my ritual to when I finish the climb, it’s just a starting point to concentrate. It includes the way I tie in, chalk up or tie my laces on my shoes.

What is one climbing area you haven't been to and would love to explore?

Ceuse, I’m desperate to get there.

What is the best way to spend the day when the weather is bad enough to keep you indoors?

If I have to be indoors and I can’t go to a wall I enjoy reading, but only books on climbing! Also if there’s anything I can do to help me physically, whether it’s stretching or venturing out for a run. And of course watch any climbing videos.