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General Climbing Discussion

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The Problem with Climbing... 13-Mar-2004 At 9:13:46 PM Rock Weasel

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The problem I have with climbing, to paraphrase the American comedian Bill Hicks, is that I love climbing, but hate climbers. When I climb outdoors I don't mind a breif chat, but it is in the gym that other climbers become unbearable. I find the level of conceit displayed by so many boulderers to be both amusing and irritating. I'm talking about the many talented climbers who seem to act as though their ability is some kind of esteemable virtue, rather than the product of time and effort. Sure, the cool dude pulling the small holds may climb the hardest, but it is just a matter of the investment of time and effort, and any of us can get there. The tendency to be loud and crass appears to be a gym-goer's trait... But for all their talk, I wonder how many of them are out there on the weekends pulling their 'awseome' moves above sketchy gear. Add to this the fact that prices are going up and boulder problems are rarely changed, the home wall is starting to sound like a very attractive option...