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Born:

2002, Midlands, England

Biggest achievement:

Estado Critico 9a

DMM athlete since:

2026

Arlo Rogers is a climber and route setter based in South Wales, with over a decade of climbing experience across sport, trad and bouldering. Originally from the Midlands, his early years were spent getting out to crags like the Roaches and Stanage before moving to Cardiff to study Human Nutrition and Dietetics. South Wales quickly became his playground, with Pembroke and the Gower standing out as two of his favourite places to climb anywhere in the world. A prolific first ascentionist in the area, Arlo has also made his mark on the international stage, climbing up to 9a with his ascent of Estado Critico in Siurana. Equally at home on long limestone endurance routes abroad or bold trad lines closer to home, Arlo is a climber with a broad skillset, a sharp eye for a new line and a refreshingly no-nonsense approach to the sport.

"Rock climbing is a bit like trying to train a dog. If you approach it angry and forcefully it will bite back. Stay calm, patient and attentive and progress comes naturally." 

Get to know Arlo

When did you start climbing? 

I've been climbing around 11 years, starting at my local wall at Warwick University. The manager there was keen on getting kids out on real rock, so I started doing trips to the Roaches and Stanage. When I got a car at 17 the floodgates opened and I spent a lot of time sleeping in the boot, travelling around and climbing.

Which route keeps calling you back?

Seleccio Natural 9a in Santalinya. I bivvied in the car park on my first trip and didn't get it done. On my next visit it rained for two weeks solid, the wettest April Catalonia had ever seen. I eventually finished it in December, getting to the last bolt the most pumped I've ever been in my life. One of the best experiences I've had on rock.

What is the most valuable piece of climbing advice you have received?

That climbing is a bit like training a dog. Approach it angry and forcefully and it will bite back and never cooperate. Stay calm, patient and attentive and you find flow, notice the subtleties in the movement, and progress comes naturally.

Which crag or mountain is your favourite and which do you consider the most beautiful in the world?

I was climbing around Tromsø this summer and it is the most beautiful place I've been. Stunning rock, incredible views and 24-hour sunlight. My favourite crag is probably Ceuse or the Verdon. Always a special atmosphere and good scenes.

How do you manage the mental pressure of a long-term project?

I break routes into sections and remind myself I'm just on a link. The more I climb, the more I realise it's the fun days at the crag and the experiences around it that you remember most, not just clipping the chain.

What keeps you motivated?

The tide coming in. It getting dark. Forgetting my head torch again. Getting back for last orders.

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