Elijah Kiser grew up in Boone, North Carolina, but didn’t get his start in climbing until he was 15. Starting into competition climbing a little later than some, he quickly took his skill to the national level. With his win at the Youth Bouldering National Championship in 2019, he cemented his place as a top climber. Next he will be competing for the US National Climbing Team in Italy. But success on the competition scene doesn’t detract from his love of outdoor climbing.

Known for a dynamic and powerful approach, Elijah can be seen skipping holds, and dynoing through technical sections.  At just 18 years old, he has been climbing for only a few years, and it seems he will be a major player in years to come.

Take a look at his post-Championship interview with Rock and Ice magazine or this in-depth interview from a local paper near his hometown. Keep an eye out for his writing and stories on the KinetiK Blog.