Community Feature: Kyle & Redpoint Climber’s Supply

Redpoint Climber’s Supply has been a longtime fixture in the local climbing community but when Kyle Bonfert  took over ownership of the shop in 2020, he turned it into a local hub focused on bringing climbers and park-lovers together outside the crag. It’s now a one-stop shop for your pre-climb coffee, post-climb beer (or kombucha!), and for that piece of gear you accidentally forgot at home. We sat down with Kyle to get to know a little more about him and what makes Redpoint so special.

How did you end up in Central Oregon? 

I grew up in Indiana and after high school I moved to Reno, Nevada. I started climbing there and took many trips around Tahoe and to the Bishop bouldering areas as well as a few longer trips to the southwest. I was mostly bouldering and clipping bolts here and there. In 2018 I had the opportunity to move to Central Oregon and had heard a little about Smith along the way so I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I went on craigslist and saw that Redpoint was hiring so I sent an email and soon became part of the Redpoint team. In late 2019 I had the opportunity to take over Redpoint as owner and in February 2020 the deal was sealed!

What makes Redpoint special?

I think the thing that makes Redpoint special is that we have so much community involvement around Smith Rock. We get to be a part of the evolution of climbing in our area and have the opportunity to connect climbing groups with the park. There is also the social aspect of Redpoint. We're always happy to hang out, and talk beta on routes, food, and camping spots.

Right now we are in our winter hours so we’re open Saturday and Sunday from 9AM–7PM. Starting March 11th we will be back open 7 days a week, 8AM–8PM.

What are your favorite routes at Smith?

This is a hard one. I would say I have enjoyed quite a few of the new routes at the Kangaroo in the Marsupials. In particular, there’s a 5.12- called Moose Tracks that's just a pleasurable 30-meter climb up nice rock.