Tony Yao

Certified Single Pitch Instructor

Tony grew up in Amarillo, Texas and has been climbing for more than 16 years. During his climbing career, he has traveled the world sending hard lines wherever he goes… Australia, Argentina, Thailand, China, France, Greece… the list goes on.

Five years ago, Tony began working at the Boulder Rock Club as a route setter and has since earned the title of Head Route Setter and the nickname T-Nut. He also coaches the BRC Junior Team, helping lead them to 2nd Place finishes at the 2009 and 2010 American Bouldering Series National Championships.

Tony has received Personal Training certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. As a Personal Trainer, he helps climbers at any ability level to improve their climbing performance and overall fitness. He is a firm believer that “you can always teach an old dog new tricks” – and Tony has more than a bag full.

When he’s not focused on helping his clients or the BRC Junior Team to push their limits, he’s pushing his own. He can often be found cranking the steep limestone of Rifle, CO, where he recently fired “Huge”, a 130 foot pumpfest that checks in at a solid 5.13d! But don’t be fooled, T-Nut isn’t just a sport climber. He’s ticked many hard trad lines up and down the Front Range, including “Fraid Line”, a scary 13a in Eldorado Canyon.

Tony is a Wilderness First Responder, an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, and admittedly, a “climbing bum”. He is also a member of the uber-elite La Sportiva Climbing Team. See what he has to say here (Select Tony Yao from the list of rockstars).