MATT BURBACH has been a climbing instructor since 1995. He was the founding editor of Urban Climber Magazine, and his writings have been published in Gripped and Climbing. He established, developed, and directed the indoor climbing school at Earth Treks' Climbing Centers in Maryland, the largest climbing gyms on the east coast. Matt has worked in the climbing industry as an instructor, competitor, tech rep, visual merchandiser, and lead organizer of the Petzl, Roc Comp and Smackdown competitions. He is a graduate University of Maryland's College of Health and Human Performance and continues to coach climbers on an individual basis. Matt currently lives in New York City.