Voices of Adventure: Rock Climbing with Octavia Drughi - Part Two
Last week we got to know Octavia, an inspiring and very friendly rock climber I met earlier this year over the internet. I was fascinated by her lifestyle I read about on her blog and wanted to learn more about her and the life she has created for herself. This week we learn about her experience climbing in Romania as well as abroad and she will give us a sneak peek into her work in rope access
Can you tell me about the climbing scene in Romania and what makes it unique?
“I think what makes outdoor climbing in Romania stand out is the fact that it’s not crowded and often underrated. There is a lot of potential in that.
There are many great climbers, but those who’d much rather climb outside than indoors are losing numbers. A lot of people prefer the climbing gym, perhaps due to this sport’s increasing popularity as a gym activity. As a result, many climbing spots are quiet and very chill.
There are also many climbing spots that are remote and picturesque in the mountains, in rural areas where you can be in nature with very few restrictions. You can go climbing and then pitch your tent and build a campfire, completely disconnecting from the modern rhythm of life. Romania offers a lot of freedom that way.”
Are there any favorite climbing spots in Romania that you'd recommend to fellow climbers?
“There are many climbing destinations worth checking out, but Băile Herculane is definitely on top of the list. The climbing there is world-class and the place itself is simply amazing. Then there are the many climbing spots around Braşov, a famous touristic city in central Romania. In spring and autumn, you have the climbing spots in the Apuseni Mountains. And, of course, there’s the Bicaz Gorges and the Rarău Mountains, as well as some bouldering spots, too.”
What other countries have you climbed in? How does the experience differ from climbing in Romania?
“I’ve been to Greece, Turkey, Germany, Bulgaria… I think the difference comes from the fact that we are comparing famous climbing destinations to lesser-known ones. In the more popular climbing spots, there are loads of climbers and a very cool vibe. It can be very motivating to watch people try hard and enjoy themselves regardless of the difficulty of the climb.
On the other hand, in Romania, there aren’t that many people at the crags. There are times when there’s no one else at the crag and you have to figure out the routes and the beta all by yourself, all the while keeping your psyche high. Plus, there isn’t that much info on the climbing destinations in Romania, which makes discovering them quite the adventure. I, for one, enjoy that.”
Can you share any memorable or challenging experiences from your international climbing adventures?
“There have been many and the most memorable have to be the ones that have been most challenging. After all, we all need some drama in our lives. So, dirtbagging our way through Leonidio and Frankenjura, climbing and sleeping on the side of the road and in the bushes, volunteering at a campsite in the climbing area of Geyikbayiri, all the times when we went camping in nasty, cold weather because we wanted to climb, those were unforgettable.”
Do you find that the sport has a universal language, connecting you with climbers from various cultures?
“Absolutely! There is a universal language in climbing, regardless of where you go. Total strangers will cheer you on, screaming “Allez!”, “C’mon!”, “Gamba!”, “Venga!”, “You’ve got this!”. They’ll congratulate you after a send. They’ll ask or share beta, info, emotions, etc. It’s so easy to get into a conversation with other climbers you’ve never met before and make new friends. After all, we’re all looking for the same thing – good times at the crag.”
How did you become interested in rope access, and what motivated you to pursue it as a career option?
“It’s all thanks to my husband. He’s been doing this for what feels like a lifetime and still loves it. I never could imagine myself being stuck in an office. Nor do I like to linger on a project, do the same thing over and over again, or get too comfortable. So going to work with him has always been plan B in between projects. In time, it became more than just something to do while scouting for the next job. I’ve grown to like it and the freedom and challenges it brings. It became plan A.”
What are the primary applications or industries where rope access is commonly used, and can you share your experiences working in these areas?
“Rope access is used when you cannot get to a place on a man-made structure using other methods (e.g. ladders, scaffolding, etc.). You can use rope access for window cleaning and repairs on buildings, wind turbines, structures in shipyards, just to name a few. You can even use it in concert stages (stage rigging).”
What is your experience working as a woman in rope access?
“In Romania, I haven’t had the opportunity to meet another woman working in rope access. I know a couple of girls that are in the industry, but they work abroad. So, if I don’t see them, neither do others. As a result, people are always surprised to see women doing this job. The reactions are varied. Some are very impressed, some applaud me, some take pictures of me, some are skeptical, some underestimate me, others mistake me for a man.
I’ve been lucky to work alongside people that treated me as their equal, and I greatly appreciate that. Sure, they help me when it comes to carrying heavy stuff, but hey, I’m a girl.”
For those interested in pursuing a career in rope access, what advice or resources would you recommend for getting started and advancing in this field?
“First and foremost, you have to be okay with working at heights, in not-so-comfortable conditions, and have a basic fitness level. It’s definitely something you learn and get used to, but no two projects are the same and the conditions vary, especially when working outdoors. So, I’d say this industry is not for those who like to be very comfortable. My advice would be to weigh all the pros and cons and give it a try before going all in.”
Could you share some of your proudest achievements or most memorable climbing moments?
“My proudest climbing achievements are sending routes that tested my physical and mental strength. Climbs I perhaps doubted I could do, climbs I’ve always dreamt of doing but were very challenging. Each of these routes was like climbing another step on a very long ladder. I am most proud of myself when I can climb near my limit (I say “near” because I’m not yet sure where that limit is; it only feels like I’m close to it). Being able to give it my all, despite my fears, to get in the flow even when it feels so damn hard, that feeling has no equal.
I choose routes that inspire me – appealing moves, rock features, and the challenges they bring. Sometimes, that means picking routes that feel very hard for me.
I love the entire process where you first think it’s impossible, then it feels like it might be doable, then like you could actually send it. And the battle begins. Sometimes it’s a short one, sometimes it’s a very long one, with moments of doubt, tears, sweat, smiles, and laughter.”
What are your future goals or aspirations as a rock climber?
“To climb as much as I can. Climbing is not a linear sport. There are ups and downs, and I’ve made my peace with that. I would, however, love to be able to near that limit I mentioned above and I’m curious to see how far I can push it.”
Do you have any dream climbs or destinations you hope to reach in the future?
“I do have a dream climb I’m working on. It’s the most challenging project I’ve had so far because it tests all my strengths and weaknesses (physical and mental). It’s a route I’ve grown to love and, as much as I want to finally send it, I’ve grown so attached to it that I love returning to it each time.
In terms of destinations, there are places where I can’t wait to return to – Geyikbayırı, Leonidio, Frankenjura. But I’d also like to visit Siurana in Spain and Céüse in France.”
Do you have any advice or words of encouragement for those who might be inspired by your journey to take up rock climbing or pursue their own adventurous passions?
“If there is an inner voice telling you that you should change paths (if you’re stuck in a rut you’re not happy with), that you should do more of what makes you vibrate, that there’s something missing, then I believe you should look into that.
If you want to try rock climbing, by all means, do it! You’ll never know how it feels like until you’ve tried it. The great thing about it is that it doesn’t have any age or weight restrictions. You can take it up at any moment in your life. Also, don’t give up on your first tries and don’t expect it to be easy or see a linear progress. This activity is hard but very rewarding. The harder you work and the more solutions you find, the more you’ll enjoy yourself.
We have the power to choose. Some have more freedom to make certain choices than others, it’s true, but maybe you can find some middle ground. We only have one life, we control it, so let’s try to live it on our own terms.”
