We’re so excited to be launching this T-shirt collection with you! Can you tell us why you chose to feature The Mandala on our first collab?
For the kickoff of this collab, the Mandala was a logical starting point. Growing up in California, the Eastern Sierra was a huge part of my introduction to climbing and bouldering in The Buttermilks. Climbing the Mandala was a defining point early on in my career.

You tapped artist and longtime mentor, Andy Puhvel to design and commemorate the ascent of The Mandala for our collab tee. Tell us about your friendship with Andy.
Climbing is more than a sport, it's also an art form. Mixing artwork into this collab is rooted in the Eastern Sierra and my friendship with Andy. Andy’s one of my best friends. He was literally my very first climbing instructor. When I was 12 years old, he taught me how to belay at the climbing gym and he's been like a big brother to me ever since. He lives out here on the East side, so of course, we've spent many, many days out here climbing in The Buttermilks together.

When I started talking about this prAna T-shirt collab it was really cool getting Andy involved. He’s been such a friend and mentor and we've known each other for so long. And the fact that he’s also a local climber here, it just made total sense to have him do this shirt design.

I’m so very appreciative to have his art on the shirt. He's influenced me so much in my climbing, and in my life. These limited-edition shirts are a collector's item. There's something special about them.

You've put up some of the hardest routes in the world since The Mandala. Where does this climb rank for you in terms of personal significance?
Establishing the Mandala in 2000 is definitely something I’m really proud of. Not only for the difficulty, but there is a lot of history there. The Buttermilks have been an integral part of climbing culture for decades and many had tried that line. John Bachar, Ron Kauk, Dale Bard and Peter Croft, they all looked at that boulder and imagined that someday, somebody would do that. So it was really special to add to, and be a part of, the history of that place! The Mandala became a modern test piece that everyone wanted to try.

How does it feel to be back in The Buttermilks and climbing The Mandala again?
I remember coming back here a few years ago after the pandemic and wondering what it was going to feel like to be back in California. Then coming back here, there was this feeling of being in my power spot and feeling deeply at home. It’s this spiritual experience of coming back and just feeling welcomed back to this deep connection.

It's cool to come out today with Ross Fulkerson and Liv Ogier. The story continues to play out generations later and it's really cool to revisit it with them in the same way that I got to go with Andy Puhvel to climbs like Midnight Lightning (V8) back in the day and Camp 4.

We’re celebrating 30 years together! Any moments throughout that time that you cherish?
It’s been an incredible ride over the years. I’m so grateful to have been a part of prAna from almost the very beginning. prAna's founders, Beaver and Pam Theodosakis are like family and their belief in me has enabled me to realize my dreams and potential as a climber. I’ve made many very strong friends to this day at prAna.
Overall, it’s been an incredible journey with the brand as we’ve both grown up together!