32: Andrew Leich - Rattlesnake Redemption

In this episode, we sit down with West Virginia climber and prolific developer Andrew Leich to trace a climbing journey shaped by obsession, grit, and an almost unthinkable comeback.

From his early days at the New River Gorge to developing out of necessity in the Cheat Canyon, Andrew built his reputation on bold ascents—including an onsight* of Moonlight Buttress. Along the way, he also shares the surprisingly simple, yet effective, fingerboard routine that helped him build elite endurance.

But everything changed after a near-fatal rattlesnake bite left Andrew with severe nerve damage, forcing him to start over from square one. What followed was a long, uncertain road back, redefining his relationship with climbing and progressing his way back through the grades. That journey ultimately comes full circle with his recent ascent of Green Magic in the Hills (5.14b), a route he bolted years earlier but never sent—until now.

We also dive into Andrew’s deep impact on the Cheat Canyon, where he’s developed hundreds of boulders and authored a guidebook that’s helped put the area on the map.

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Follow the Andrew on Instagram: @andrew_leich

Get a copy of the Cheat Canyon Guidebook!

Check out Climbing Magazine's recent article featuring Andrew's comeback!

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