RECognition: Liam Hardy, Outback Adventures

Recreation's monthly series to highlight and celebrate our staff

By Shawn Cyr
Assistant Marketing Director

Liam Hardy, a grad student set to graduate in Spring 2027 with a degree in computer science, is one of the core people who make the Outback Climbing Center (OCC) a student-driven success. Joining REC in August of 2024, Liam now serves as a Routesetter at the Outback Climbing Center.

"Through his knowledge of all things climbing, route setting, and competitions, his willingness to advise is central to the next chapter in UC San Diego climbing: the new wall at the renovated and expanded RIMAC," says Simon Teale, Outdoor Education Director.

Here's our Q&A with Liam:

Q: What is your favorite part about working in REC?
A: Definitely the community that I get to be a part of, both being the staff at Outback who I work shifts with and get to know, but also all the students I get to interact with while working. Being able to foster the rich community that the OCC has with new students through setting clinics and climbing competitions has been not just my favorite part about working in rec but also my favorite part of my entire college experience.

Q: What do you do for your job at REC? 
A: I'm in charge of all of the route setting at the Outback Climbing Center, with the help of the wonderful team of other setters. That means I lead the process of taking down old climbs and setting new ones at the OCC, trying to make engaging climbs for climbers of all levels. I also get to help out with running the quarterly setting clinics, where we get to teach students with no experience how to set. This is one of the most unique and special parts of my job. I also help out with the climbing competitions that we run each quarter, organizing and setting the routes for them, again with the help of a huge team of great people!

Q: What made you want to work for REC?
A: I first started climbing at the OCC, and two of the staff members quickly became great friends (shoutout Hannah and Nathan). The great vibes of all of the staff and the community environment drew me in, especially given the opportunity to do what I love, climbing and setting with a bunch of great people.

Q: If you could have one superpower, what would it be and WHY?
A: If I could have one superpower, it would be the power to fit as many people in my car as I want. This would make everything convenient, plus I'd save on gas.

Q: What was your most memorable experience with REC?
A: Definitely the first climbing competition that I was a part of at the OCC. It was most memorable because of the exciting atmosphere, and getting to be part of the team that helped create that atmosphere is something I won't forget.

Q: What is one self-care/sports/fitness activity you love?
A: Climbing! I spend most of my free time climbing, to be honest, but I love to try random new things too.

Q: When I'm not working, you can find me ...
A: On a rock in the woods, playing a new sport with friends, or watching really bad reality TV.