Tom Randall is a British rock climber, coach, and co-founder of Lattice Training. Known for his crack climbing expertise, Randall has not only made a name for himself with impressive ascents but also for his scientific approach to climbing training. His commitment to crack climbing and data-driven coaching has earned him respect both on and off the wall.
Early Life and Climbing Beginnings
Growing up in the UK, Randall quickly developed a passion for climbing. Throughout his career, he demonstrated versatility in both traditional and sport climbing. However, what truly sets Randall apart is his focus on crack climbing—a demanding discipline that requires technical precision and endurance. Over the years, he has dedicated himself to mastering this niche form of climbing, pushing its boundaries.
Crack Climbing and The Wide Boyz
Randall is best known for his partnership with Pete Whittaker, forming the famous “Wide Boyz” duo. Together, they specialize in off-width crack climbing, a challenging type of climbing that focuses on wide cracks that are difficult to jam or chimney. In 2011, the Wide Boyz made international headlines with their ascent of Century Crack in Utah, which was regarded as one of the hardest off-width climbs in the world at 5.14b. Their journey was documented in the film Wide Boyz, which revealed their creative training methods, including a homemade crack gym in Randall’s basement. This climb solidified their reputation as masters of off-width climbing.
Lattice Training
In addition to his climbing feats, Randall co-founded Lattice Training with Ollie Tor. Lattice has revolutionized climbing training by using data-driven methods to design personalized training programs. Lattice Training is known for its assessment tools, including the Lattice Board, which helps climbers measure endurance, strength, and technique. Randall’s scientific approach has helped climbers of all levels—both elite athletes and amateurs—achieve their goals and improve their performance.
Coaching and Mentorship
Randall has become a sought-after coach due to his extensive knowledge. His hands-on coaching style, combined with a deep understanding of how to train efficiently, has helped countless climbers push their limits. Randall frequently shares his insights through interviews, podcasts, and articles, covering topics like injury prevention, power training, and endurance. His expertise has made him a trusted voice in the climbing community.
Notable Climbs
In addition to Century Crack, Randall has completed numerous other challenging crack climbs around the world, including:
- Century Crack (5.14b) 2011
- Cobra Crack (5.14b)
- The Kraken (V13)
- Black Mamba (5.14b / 8c)
Influence in the Climbing World
Randall’s impact extends beyond his personal achievements. As a coach, author, and speaker, he regularly shares his expertise with the global climbing community. His scientific approach to training and crack climbing techniques has influenced countless climbers, and his work with Lattice Training continues to shape how climbers prepare for projects, both big and small.
Summary
Tom Randall stands out in the world of climbing for his technical expertise, coaching innovation, and passion for crack climbing. As part of the “Wide Boyz,” his groundbreaking ascents in off-width climbing, combined with his leadership at Lattice Training, have left an indelible mark on the climbing world. Through his efforts, Randall has helped both professional and amateur climbers push their limits and reach new heights.
Sources
https://www.lacrux.com/en/klettern/British-crack-climber-Tom-Randall-in-an-interview
https://latticetraining.com/about/staff/tom-randall
https://www.instagram.com/tompaulrandall/?hl=en