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General Climbing Discussion

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Community or Clique? 14-Jul-2006 At 12:55:59 PM shmalec

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This idea of a brave new world of sport climbing where the mass population is encouraged to turn up and have a 'gym like' experience at grid bolted crags is not the way I would like to see things go. The more we encourage this kind of idea the harder it will be to find a place to go for a weekend adventure. You may say that we can have both. But the more we go down the dumbed down, mass bolted path the harder it is to maintain the alternative. People don't always know where to draw the line.
For example, take Alpamayo, a 6000m peak in Peru which is three days hike from the nearest road and a very attractive and popular alpine peak. You will find fixed double snow stake belays for the final 300+ metres to the summit.
If we don't protect the natural "adventure" experience, then over time it will be lost.

That doesn't mean I don't help and encourage those who are interested in climbing. It just means that I encourage people to fully experience it.