man rock climbing on a steep rock face with no ropes

Zeal Climber

Matt Segal

Man in black cap and sunglasses sitting next to a lake holding mug of coffee
Meet Matt Segal

Growing up in Miami, Florida, Matt discovered rock climbing early on. He quickly took to the sport, making a name for himself traveling the US and Europe on the indoor climbing circuit before realizing that indoor gyms were a poor excuse for the real thing.

"In 2004, I ditched the gym and journeyed outside beginning a climbing life that's taken me across the world from China to Argentina, in pursuit of the most inspiring lines from hard traditional single pitch test pieces to long heady big walls," explains Segal, whose travels have been documented by National Geographic, The Alpinist, EpicTV, The North Face and Climbing Magazine.

"I'm the most psyched on some of the routes I've established in Colorado and China, especially: Air China - 5.13+R in Liming, China, The Iron Monkey - 5.14 in Eldorado Canyon, CO and Smart Went Crazy - 5.13+ R/X," adds Matt. We're stoked to have him as a member of the Zeal Optics Athlete Team.

"I'm down with Zeal Optics because I really like the product and how rooted the whole company is in sustainability. It's rare that you find a company that truly believes being environmentally friendly is a way of life not just something you have to do."

- Matt Segal

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Three people paragliding over the mountains

ZEAL Ambassador Matt Segal: Fledglings

Matt Segal takes to the sky in his latest feature by The North Face with professional climber Cedar Wright.

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Spartan Up! Podcast

Matt Segal caught up with Joe De Sena of Spartan Race to tell the world what it takes to be a climber.

Climber rubbing chalk on his hands

Matt Segal: Rock Climbing Through Our Lenses

Matt Segal takes to the the vast playground outside his Boulder, Colorado home and conquers all barriers through our lenses.