How it all began
Ravi Waddar’s story is one of perseverance and transformation. Growing up in Badami, a small village in India, Ravi lived under the very rocks that climbers from around the world would later scale. In 2016, he was invited to try rock climbing, sparking a passion that would change his life.
The Early Days
Though Badami is known for its ancient temples, it was not initially a destination for climbing. There were no formal climbing schools or instructors. However, Ravi’s determination led him to Praveen Cm, a national-level climber, who became his first mentor. Ravi’s skills quickly grew, setting him on a path toward both personal and professional transformation.
CLimbing for a reason
In 2017, a pivotal moment came when Chilean climber Luis Birkner visited Badami. He recognized the potential in local youth and, together with Ravi, launched Climbing for a Reason. This initiative provided climbing gear and mentorship to local children, giving Ravi the tools and knowledge he needed to advance.
Community Impact
Today, Ravi is not only a proficient climber (having reached grades as high as 8a+) but also a dedicated teacher. He has taught over 1,000 children the sport, instilling hope and giving them opportunities for a better future. Ravi’s work has greatly impacted Badami, offering a new avenue of income and a sense of purpose to the community.
Badami climbing adventure
Ravi’s own venture, Rock Climbing Badami, offers climbing tours and lessons, allowing both tourists and locals to experience the magic of Badami’s rock faces. Ravi has set his sights on further developing Badami as a climbing destination, studying political science, and continuing his work with Climbing for a Reason.
His ultimate goal is to create lasting change, both for his community and the climbing world. Ravi faces the challenge of needing updated equipment to keep providing top-tier experiences to his clients and a future for his community.
