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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Jun 11, 2014 - 01:25am PT
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There are a whole lot more pedestrians then climbers, so of course there would be more death. But what is the ratio?
So very true John. Climber visit numbers are a very hard thing to track.... Somehow i still don't think the ratio would be greater for climbers than pedestrians but you're right. I can't prove it because i don't have the numbers to back it up.
I still feel safer on a rope than crossing the street...
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Blakey
Trad climber
Sierra Vista
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Jun 11, 2014 - 02:20am PT
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I've been at this game for 47 years, in that time I've lost count of the little incidents that could have led to disaster; slips at the top of crags, rocks whizzing past, falls that could have gone very wrong (but didn't). All of which will be very familiar to many who post up here.
I have been blessed that none of these incidents (and some were spectacular) have led to broken bones or worse. Even more blessed that only one friend has died (and many have been big risk takers).
Why do we continue? There's lots of reasons I guess; great people, fantastic places, remarkable adventures, physical and mental fitness (bar those over use injuries).
It's a compelling game.
Steve
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Avery
climber
NZ
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 11, 2014 - 05:36am PT
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Thank you ladies and gentlemen.
It's all quite nourishing "Food for Thought"
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alina
Trad climber
CA
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Jun 11, 2014 - 12:34pm PT
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I peeled off a climb in Arcadia National Park very early in my climbing career. I ended up falling 20 feet, flipping upside-down after my feet hit a small ledge, then hitting my head on another ledge before I stopped. I wasn't wearing a helmet.
I never blacked out but we decided the risk of spinal damage was too high for me to walk out. We called a rescue and I was carried out on a litter to a tiny hospital on Mount Desert Island.
I ended up with a big cut on my scalp and a concussion.
For months after, I had dizzy spells and couldn't do much of my school work.
I realized I was more afraid of getting the kind of damage that leaves you a vegetable or a mental patient than of dying. I was terrified for months that I wouldn't be able to continue as a student.
But I started climbing at the gym again. Through the dizziness. I tried yoga and that turned out to be the perfect physical therapy to get my balance back.
The hardest part was facing the memories of the fall and the pain. Whenever I touched rock, those would come rushing back and the fear would fill my head. I didn't lead and was scared of following for a while. I would get scared in the gym, too.
But, eventually, all the new good memories on the rock started to push back the old. I had enough safe, fun climbing trips that the fear faded back and receded.
I think without pushing through in the small ways that I could manage -- climbing at the gym, following easy stuff -- I would have never gotten to the point where climbing felt safe again.
The mental game is hard. Even after 25 years, your most recent and salient memory of climbing -- your fall -- might be the first thing you experience once you start climbing again. But if you do it a couple more times, your brain will learn new associations.
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Jun 11, 2014 - 01:27pm PT
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Just don't hit the ground. That'll do you in.
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Avery
climber
NZ
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 11, 2014 - 02:36pm PT
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Thanks alina, I can really relate to your comments.
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guyman
Social climber
Moorpark, CA.
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Jun 11, 2014 - 02:43pm PT
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John.... OUCH OUCH OUCH ... my leg just started to hurt.
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Avery
climber
NZ
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 11, 2014 - 04:53pm PT
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Thanks moosedrool, your a truly inspirational figure.
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Avery
climber
NZ
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 11, 2014 - 04:57pm PT
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Hey Largo, what's your self rescue technique when you find yourself in mid air, somewhere between the rock and the ground?
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jstan
climber
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Jun 11, 2014 - 05:29pm PT
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I can't count the number of proud accounts of one hundred foot falls I have seen over the last half century that did not point out this happened on glacially polished rock or on seriously over hung cliffs. Not one pointed out the experience on rock with ledges might have less sanguine outcomes. Under such an assault the reader's only recourse is the confidence there are not that many stupid people out there. That confidence is weakened, however, when the density of people is increased.
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Avery
climber
NZ
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 11, 2014 - 06:11pm PT
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Meditation!
To each their own.
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Avery
climber
NZ
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 11, 2014 - 08:49pm PT
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The key thing is to break through the mental barrier. Easier said than done, but I'm working on it.
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Avery
climber
NZ
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 11, 2014 - 10:18pm PT
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Thanks FortMentäl,
It's a strange state of mind I'm currently experiencing.
I haven't given any thought whatsoever to climbing for the past 14 years. Yet, over the last few month's I've toyed with the idea of a return.
I'm finding the flesh surprisingly willing but the mind is correspondingly weak. As a result, I'll settle for encouragement or wisdom or anything, as long as it's positive.
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Avery
climber
NZ
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 11, 2014 - 10:24pm PT
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Thanks "scrubbing bubbles"
I've never been to the "States" let alone climbed there.
Where did you hear that from?
"Levy" said he met me on one of his posts (he hasn't), perhaps that's where you heard it.
Take Care
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Jun 11, 2014 - 10:27pm PT
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Avery! Go toprope something bro! Get it outta your system!!
You'll be back!!
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Avery
climber
NZ
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 11, 2014 - 10:37pm PT
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Your a mind reader "Big Mike", I'm going to do just that in the next few days. The only problem is where. To my knowledge there's no rock to speak of close at hand but I'm sure I'll find something. It was simple in Christchurch (where I grew up). Twenty minute drive to the local crags or an hour twenty to Castle Hill.
Thanks, Avery
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alina
Trad climber
CA
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Jun 11, 2014 - 10:39pm PT
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Fear is normal. And on the other side is the adrenaline rush of getting past it, of doing something you were shaking about. If you aren't afraid to start with, doing it isn't as satisfying.
Just think of yourself as lucky since you don't have to work hard to get scared climbing and reap the psychological reward (endorphins) of working through the fear.
I'm glad sharing my story resonated with you. That's one thing I love about the super taco.
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James
climber
My twin brother's laundry room
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Jun 11, 2014 - 10:49pm PT
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Ten years ago I fell 100 feet free-soloing in Joshua Tree. This year, I got close to free climbing El Cap in a day.
You give events the power you want them to have.
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healyje
Trad climber
Portland, Oregon
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Jun 11, 2014 - 11:35pm PT
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Fear is normal. During the flight for my first skydive the instructor told me if I ever wasn't scared on the ride up I should quit.
James, in the context of boldness and fear, both before and after serious injury, what do you now think and feel about the balance between the two and how do you experience that on rock these days.
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Avery
climber
NZ
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 11, 2014 - 11:50pm PT
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I take your point James.
However, We're all individuals, no two people can summon the same level of "Power" to overcome things. At this stage I'm nowhere near accumulating the level of power that you should feel justifiable proud of having.
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