Written by: Chas Misuraca @theblindexplorer
Five years ago, my world turned upside down when I lost 90% of my sight to a hereditary disease called LHON. In an instant, the future I envisioned was shattered, and I was left to navigate a new reality without the gift of sight. Little did I know that this darkness would lead me to the most profound journey of my life—one of self-discovery, resilience, and triumph.
LHON has robbed me of my central vision, leaving me with less than 10% sight. You may wonder how I rock climb with such limited vision. It’s simple; I feel for holds and hand foot match placements or remember their positions relative to my body. I utilize my remaining sight to the best of my ability.
Depending on the rock colour, chalk stands out for me. Friends describe hold locations to me. People love giving beta, and I don’t mind, as long as they guide me to find the holds. Despite losing the ability to see clearly, this challenge has provided me with a unique advantage. While not knowing what lies ahead can be scary, not knowing how far above my last bolt is, turns out to be a blessing. I constantly reassure myself, “The draw is at your feet; you’re not going to whip,” enabling me to make bold moves, catching holds 40% of the time. My favourite challenge is red-pointing something I don’t know exists but hope is there, and I manage to catch it.
When lead belaying, I focus on the rope in hand, adjusting slack as needed. I keenly listen for any sounds, like a foot slipping, painting a mental picture of the climber’s progress. I visualize each action, estimating distances based on the time it takes to execute them. All of this is guided by the tension I feel on the rope. My preferred belay device, the Petzl Grigri, offers smooth rope management and safety, assuring me that if my hand slips, the climber won’t fall.
Growing up, rock climbing was never on my radar. However, two months before my sight loss, a girl entered my life and challenged me at my core: “If you want to date me, you have to learn how to rock climb and love it, as this is all I ever want to do.” Intrigued by her passion, I took up the challenge, not knowing that this decision would change the course of my life forever.
In the beginning, I was content to follow others, believing that my partial sight would prevent me from ever lead climbing. It wasn’t until a fateful day with my friends Jake and Marie that this perception was shattered. They encouraged me to lead climb, assuring me of my safety every step of the way. With their unwavering support, I conquered routes I never thought possible, proving to myself that my sight loss was not a barrier but a challenge to overcome.
That pivotal moment ignited a fire within me—a determination to push beyond my perceived limitations. Each climb became a metaphor for life, a reminder that with courage and determination, anything is possible. Despite the doubts and stereotypes that society placed on me as a blind man, I continued to climb higher.
Three years later, I found myself representing my country in IFSC events, competing against other blind athletes on the world stage. One event that stands out is Horse Shoe Hell, an outdoor climbing marathon where teams climb for 12, 24, or 36 hours straight. My teammate, Bibiana Patrick, was not just my belayer; she was my eyes on the wall, intentionally guiding me. Together, we defied expectations, winning the Para division and placing third in the advanced men’s category. We climbed 115 pitches, totaling 9000 vertical feet!
Things of value don’t come easy but if you try hard, accept help and never quit until the job is done, then the things that once haunted you can actually fuel you to be the best version of you
Rock climbing has taught me that sight loss is just a part of who I am, not a limitation. It has shown me that the only true limits are the ones we place on ourselves. Through climbing, I have discovered a strength and resilience I never knew I had, and I am forever grateful for the journey it has taken me on. I hope my story inspires others to challenge their own limitations and embrace new possibilities, no matter the obstacles they face.
