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Hello and Welcome!

My name is Carter Watsabaugh, and I’m the founder of Second Ascent Ropes! I’m an outdoor enthusiast, sustainability advocate, and adventure lover. I started this business with a simple goal: to give retired climbing ropes a second life instead of letting them go to waste. These ropes once supported countless climbs and adventures, and I believe they deserve to keep telling stories, just in a new form. Through Second Ascent Ropes, I’m turning worn gear into stylish, functional accessories that celebrate both adventure and environmental responsibility.

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My Story

Second Ascent Ropes was founded by Carter Watsabaugh, a University of Wyoming student with a deep passion for the outdoors and sustainability. Growing up surrounded by the rugged beauty of Jackson, WY, Carter developed a lifelong love for climbing and adventure. Along the way, he noticed a recurring challenge: retired climbing ropes, once symbols of strength and exploration, were being discarded rather than repurposed.

Motivated by a desire to reduce waste and promote sustainable practices within the climbing community, Carter launched Second Ascent Belts. He transforms retired climbing ropes into stylish, eco-conscious belts, each one capturing the spirit of adventure while showcasing the power of upcycling. Every belt tells a story, giving once-trusted gear a second life while promoting environmental responsibility and innovation.

Why Choose Second Ascent Ropes?

🌿 Sustainable: Made from retired climbing ropes, reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices.
🏔️ Adventure-Inspired: Each accessory carries the story of past climbs and future possibilities.
🤝 Handcrafted: Carefully made with durability, comfort, and style in mind.

But Second Ascent Ropes is about more than just accessories. It’s about embracing an ethos of upcycling, innovation, and responsibility. By choosing a Second Ascent Ropes, you're not just adding a unique piece to your wardrobe—you're supporting a movement that values sustainability, craftsmanship, and the stories behind the gear we use.

Whether you're a climber, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone who simply appreciates eco-conscious products, Carter invites you to join the mission of giving climbing ropes a second life. Together, we can celebrate adventure while making choices that are better for the planet.

Thanks for being part of the journey. Here’s to many more ascents—both on the rock and in life! 

Contact

I'm always looking for new opportunities and ideas for products. Or if you just want to chat, feel free to reach out! 

Second Ascent Ropes was founded by Carter Watsabaugh, a University of Wyoming student with a deep passion for the outdoors and sustainability. Second Ascent Ropes transforms retired climbing ropes into stylish, eco-conscious belts—each piece capturing the spirit of adventure and the ingenuity of upcycling. Carter’s work not only breathes new life into climbing gear but also sends a clear message about environmental responsibility and innovation.

Through Second Ascent Ropes, Carter invites you to join a movement that celebrates the fusion of adventure, creativity, and sustainability. Every piece is more than just an accessory; it’s a testament to the power of reimagining the old to create something new, meaningful, and enduring.

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Laramie, Wyoming
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