How to get your reluctant city girlfriend to climb outdoors
I am allergic to the sun. Not biologically, but I just don't want to age more rapidly than I have to.
When I started climbing, doing it indoors was fun. I got to sweat in a controlled environment and show off my pretty branded clothes. I also got to watch people. It was enough for me.
Climbing outdoors was a different sport for a few reasons in my case.
Whenever my partner dragged me to climb outdoors, I would be like, "hmm... do we have to do this?".
Climbing outdoors wasn't fun for me at all. I climbed in Castle Rock State Park, Tuolumne, Joshua Tree, and Pinnacles. I didn't enjoy the experience but somehow I persisted. I think I just didn't want to "lose out", heh heh. Maybe this is a trait of a reluctant climber?
The turning point for me in climbing outdoors began with the Great Red Books in Red Rocks. I had climbed for almost ten months up until that point. I enjoyed the second pitch of the route so much. The route was also my first official multi-pitch. When I topped out, I just felt different about climbing under the sun.
In retrospect, what my partner did was being very patient with me, and highly accepting of my city-girl bitching and moaning about sufferings. He was very understanding, encouraging and was very proud of me whenever I made a tiny step forward. I have also learned to trust my partner that if I were ever in trouble on a route, he would figure a way to get to me. So, if your city gal doesn't like to climb with you outdoors, don't blame her. Look at yourself in the mirror.
When I started climbing, doing it indoors was fun. I got to sweat in a controlled environment and show off my pretty branded clothes. I also got to watch people. It was enough for me.
Climbing outdoors was a different sport for a few reasons in my case.
Whenever my partner dragged me to climb outdoors, I would be like, "hmm... do we have to do this?".
Climbing outdoors wasn't fun for me at all. I climbed in Castle Rock State Park, Tuolumne, Joshua Tree, and Pinnacles. I didn't enjoy the experience but somehow I persisted. I think I just didn't want to "lose out", heh heh. Maybe this is a trait of a reluctant climber?
The turning point for me in climbing outdoors began with the Great Red Books in Red Rocks. I had climbed for almost ten months up until that point. I enjoyed the second pitch of the route so much. The route was also my first official multi-pitch. When I topped out, I just felt different about climbing under the sun.
In retrospect, what my partner did was being very patient with me, and highly accepting of my city-girl bitching and moaning about sufferings. He was very understanding, encouraging and was very proud of me whenever I made a tiny step forward. I have also learned to trust my partner that if I were ever in trouble on a route, he would figure a way to get to me. So, if your city gal doesn't like to climb with you outdoors, don't blame her. Look at yourself in the mirror.
posted by smallwalling at 12:23 PM
1 Comments:
I found your blog from your post on rc.com, and looks like you're taking a lot of heat over there. I say don't listen to those guys. I think it's great that you're enjoy climbing in your own way, and if you happen to enjoy it in a climbing gym, there's nothing wrong with that. Climb on, and climb safe.
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