Show notes
You may have heard of him as the slab master, but Hannes is a climber on Team Belgium who just recently got silver in boulder at Arco Rockmasters and also won a bronze in Innsbruck this past 2025 season! In this episode, we’ll go over his 2025 season, get his tips on slab climbing, and learn about how he tries to stay in the right mindset during stressful competitions.Guest links:Hannes’ InstagramReference links:Amazing Arco Rockmaster Slab TopThe Backflip of AngerThank you Mad Rock for sponsoring this episode! Use code 'notrealclimber' for 10% off your ENTIRE order, even if you're a returning customer! https://madrock.com/Learn more about the podcast at www.thatsnotrealclimbingpodcast.comFollow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thatsnotrealclimbingpodcastJoin the FREE community in Discord! https://discord.gg/QTa668g8zpJoin Patreon for a welcome gift, deleted scenes, and question priority: www.patreon.com/thatsnotrealclimbingpodcastTimestamps of discussion topics0:00 - Intro1:12 - Mad Rock Shoutout!!1:56 - Elbow surgery!4:20 - Rockmasters reflection10:55 - Getting into climbing and competing 15:27 - Transitioning out of youth comps17:24 - 2025 season reflection22:41 - Comps are going back to old-school climbs26:08 - Instagram influencing world cups28:44 - Staying in shape throughout a long competition season32:10 - Lead vs boulder preference35:43 - Training schedule + lifting vs gaining weight43:12 - Pressure being the slab master47:31 - Top slab tips49:45 - The fickle mental game of comps52:58 - Power of visualization for mindset56:55 - The backflip of anger!!1:00:16 - Taking his driving test1:05:03 - 2026 goals1:06:44 - AUDIENCE Q: What is the language situation in team Belgium?1:09:37 - AUDIENCE Q: Do you think calisthenics/gymnastics is necessary now in comp climbing?1:11:35 - AUDIENCE Q: How to stay calm during competitions?1:16:43 - Words of wisdom + where to find Hannes
