Summary
On this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell sat down with founder and CEO of Lacaida Ropes, Pedro Somarriba. Pedro and his new company are the first of its kind in the state, and The Bentonville Beacon got the scoop on everything they have planned for the outdoor community here in Arkansas. James and Pedro talked all about the Lacaida Ropes company launch, the products they are kicking off, and all that they have planned for the future of their company and for this climbing community in Bentonville.Thanks for joining us!
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Show Notes:
(1:12) Introducing Pedro Somarriba
(2:21) Pedro’s Passion for Climbing
(7:42) The Climbing Scene in Arkansas
(12:14) Introducing Lacaida Ropes
(17:02) Lacaida Ropes Product Launch Announcement
(18:10) All about Tarps and Their Upcoming Interform Collaboration
(22:02) Plug for GORP: Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program
(23:31) Pedro’s #BecauseBentonville Moment
(29:16) Superpowers and Closing Thoughts
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‍Links
JAMES BELL
PEDRO SOMARRIBA
LACAIDA ROPES
‍ARKANSAS CLIMBING COALITION
‍GORP

QUOTES
“You have organizations like the Arkansas Climbers Coalition, so the development, adding new routes, making routes safer by rebolting and putting up new cleaner, more safe hardware attracts more people to the state, people come to the state and see what it has to offer in terms of climbing, and ideally they spend dollars here.” Pedro Somarriba, (10:27)

“[We’re] making a life-saving device here. This is something that people will trust their lives with. [we] need to lean into that. How do you make a lifesaving device safer and not just more aesthetically pleasing by putting cool designs on it? So that’s why we leaned into the metered ropes.” Pedro Somarriba, (13:12)

“These outdoor rock climbing routes are within a 15 minutes drive of downtown Bentonville. The accessibility is a game-changer.” Pedro Somarriba, (23:47) 

“We realized that the same trail we hiked in on is a mountain biking trail. So [we] have mountain bikers zooming past the rocks that we’re climbing on. Where else are you going to find that, like back-to-back rock climbers and mountain bikers using the same natural resources and just enjoying the outdoors?” Pedro Somarriba (24:38)
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How Northwest Arkansas is Revolutionizing the Rock Climbing World
On this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell sat down with founder and CEO of Lacaida Ropes, Pedro Somarriba. Pedro and his new company are the first of its kind in the state, and The Bentonville Beacon got the scoop on everything they have planned for the outdoor community here in Arkansas. James and Pedro talked all about the Lacaida Ropes company launch, the products they are kicking off, and all that they have planned for the future of their company and for this climbing community in Bentonville.
Lacaida Ropes
Pedro Somarriba is passionate about climbing and he’s passionate about Arkansas. Being a first-generation American, he has taken his education and career around the world and back and is ready to use his experience to launch something that will improve his craft and promote the Natural State’s most powerful resource: its great outdoors. As the first rock-climbing manufacturer in Arkansas, Lacaida Ropes is hoping to set the stage for more entrepreneurs who love the craft to follow suit.
‍“You have organizations like the Arkansas Climbers Coalition, so the development, adding new routes, making routes safer by rebolting and putting up new cleaner, more safe hardware attracts more people to the state, people come to the state and see what it has to offer in terms of climbing, and ideally they spend dollars here.” Pedro Somarriba, (10:27)
Pedro and Lacaida Ropes is donating a portion of their profits to organizations like the ACC which promote updated integrations to this life-giving pastime to ensure that everyone can enjoy it safely and in a way that protects the earth. It is because of efforts like this that Lacaida is  paving the way for a new innovation to climbing ropes where the rope’s meter markers are printed directly on it so climbers can better see them and more safely plan their climb.
“[We’re] making a life-saving device here. This is something that people will trust their lives with. [we] need to lean into that. How do you make a lifesaving device safer and not just more aesthetically pleasing by putting cool designs on it? So that’s why we leaned into the metered ropes.” Pedro Somarriba, (13:12)
Why Bentonville?
Bentonville takes pride in its title of Mountain Biking Capital of the World, and so do its mountain bikers. What The Bentonville Beacon has come to see time and time again is how much potential this title opens up for other outdoor pastimes. Over this season, kayakers, swimmers, and even unicyclists have expressed their desire for Bentonville to be the next hull for their beloved outdoor craft. Now, mountain climbers are joining the club, and for good reason.
“These outdoor rock climbing routes are within a 15 minutes drive of downtown Bentonville. The accessibility is a game-changer.” Pedro Somarriba, (23:47) 
“We realized that the same trail we hiked in on is a mountain biking trail. So [we] have mountain bikers zooming past the rocks that we’re climbing on. Where else are you going to find that, like back-to-back rock climbers and mountain bikers using the same natural resources and just enjoying the outdoors?” Pedro Somarriba (24:38)
Another recurring theme is how accessible and friendly the area is to people of all backgrounds, interests, and skill-levels. It is easy to become convinced that not only are the natural resources ripe for enjoyment, accessibility, and opportunity, the community is here for it as well. No where else will one find such inclusive and encouraging athletes and hobbyists. Grab your Lacaida Ropes (available now!), join Pedro, and get out there and get climbing!‍
Get Connected!
‍Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Bentonville Beacon! Join us weekly for more stories from entrepreneurs and business leaders who are making a positive impact on Bentonville’s culture, community, and lifestyle. Don’t forget, Bentonville is a place where you can have more of what you want and less of what you don’t!