RocTrip memories: a portrait of Enzo Oddo by Sean Villanueva

During the last Petzl RocTrip, Enzo Oddo and Sean Villanueva shared memorable moments together on routes in Meteora. Sean talks about this unforgettable experience…

Sean, why did you come to the Petzl RocTrip? What were your expectations?

I wanted to experience the adventure, to enjoy the good vibes, to meet new people, and to discover climbing areas that I had never been to. It was the perfect opportunity.
In addition, I had just returned from a two and a half month expedition on a small sailboat in the Arctic (Greenland and Baffin)… it goes without saying that the RocTrip was a complete change of scenery!

What had you imagined the climbing would be like in Meteora?

I had been dreaming of climbing in Meteora since I first saw photos in Petzl catalogs 15 years ago. The stories about this legendary climbing area simply accentuated my desire. I expected a mystical atmosphere with adventurous climbing on conglomerate towers in between the monasteries.

How did you and Enzo decide to rope up? How did the two of you choose your route?

We were yearning for adventure and were drawn towards the older classic chimney and offwidth trad routes that had seen few repeats. Teaming up with Enzo just sort of occurred naturally.
The same line caught our eye. It was a wide crack with a huge roof that looked like hairy butt cheeks. In any case, it’s not always easy to find someone motivated to do this kind of climb…;)

What did the two of you think of the area’s unique rock?

Simply AWESOME! 

We know that you never go climbing without your tin whistle. If you had to write a song about the route with Enzo, what type of music would it be? What type of rhythm would you compose?

A mix of experimental jazz, classical music, and heavy metal.

What instrument would you give to Enzo to accompany you?

A piano. Maybe climbing would be a bit more of a challenge for him if he was carrying a piano on his back. Otherwise, I think a violin would work well for him.

How would you describe Enzo’s personality?

Good spirited, laid back, genuine, and intelligent.

Is his climbing style his main strength when climbing hard routes?

Enzo is a genuine climbing virtuoso. His main strength is that he doesn’t stress out, he doesn’t put pressure on himself, and he doesn’t have any preconceived notions about a climb. He is an extremely versatile climber. One ascent that impressed me was his send of the offwidth route “Thai Boxing” in Chamonix. I think he made the quickest ever ascent of the route, even though longtime offwidth aficionados had worked the climb!!

Have you talked to him about your offwidth battles in strong winds and frigid temps?

Yes, and he’s game!

What do the two of you have in common? How do you complement each other? What are your differences?

We are similar when it comes to getting excited about adventurous routes.
We’re different in the fact that small crimps for me appear to be huge holds for him...

What kind of experience did the two of you share when climbing together?

Unforgettable routes!

3 funny stories about Enzo during the Petzl RocTrip

Between Greece and Turkey, we had to change boats, and just before the first boat continued on its way, someone found Enzo fast asleep in a chair. He could have ended up God knows where, but it certainly wouldn’t have been Turkey with the rest of the Petzl RocTrip!

Enzo Oddo is a master at Backgammon. He played during the entire RocTrip. In Turkey, while the team went to soak in the steam baths on rest day, Enzo took off to play Backgammon with old Turkish men on the beach in Antalya! Enzo doesn’t speak Turkish, so the only way to communicate was through Backgammon. I would have liked to see him play. That said, the steam baths were pretty nice.

During the RocTrip, Enzo taught me how to play Backgammon. On the first day we played together, I won! (Don’t tell him that it was pure luck).

Just a couple more questions…

Being part of Team Petzl is like…

Playing the flute for Jethro Tull.

Climbing in Meteora is like…

A spiritual pilgrimage.

Climbing with Enzo is like…

Playing music with Vivaldi and Jimmy Hendrix..

Would you go on an expedition with Enzo?

Yes please! Wherever he wants to go, but no alcohol, sugar, or hydrogenated fats.

Something crazy the two of you have in common

A passion for adventurous routes and chossy offwidths.

Have you ever fantasized about weighing the same as Enzo?

I’ve dreamed more about having his strength and talent!

Has Enzo already thought about climbing with gloves, crampons, and a pair of ice axes?

Yes, and he has probably already done so.