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Access Alert: Darrington area climbing areas

Wed, 07 Aug 2013 04:54:18 +0000

Washington state climbers…

The Washington Climbers Coalition is seeking public involvement and comment on an upcoming Forest Service decision with regard to road closures in the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. Multiple climbing areas are affected including the Exfoliation Dome area near Darrington. Please visit the Washington Climbers Coalition website for the most recent information and details on how to get involved to help preserve access to this classic Washington climbing area.

Announcing: Rogue Outreach

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 02:58:17 +0000

Thank you for being a part of the RockClimberGirl community over the years — while I’ll still be blogging here (albeit infrequently), I wanted to share the news about a new adventure that I embarked on earlier this year.

I’ve gone rogue.

Rogue Outreach provides social media problem solving and content marketing services to organizations of all sizes. After building the RockClimberGirl community (with a day job as an attorney and in environmental policy), I went to work in Digital Engagement with REI, gaining invaluable skills for solving social media and content problems at scale in an enterprise. From there, I had the pleasure of working with a variety of brands in the outdoor industry, and ultimately decided that I could best serve my clients by operating as an independent consultant. So Rogue Outreach was born.

For more information, please visit http://saralingafelter.com, and sign up to receive occasional Rogue Outreach updates including:

Dear Sara: Answers to questions about social media and content from real people working with real companies
Take Five Fridays: Resources that will help you do business better and more happily; and
Social and content best practices you won’t find anywhere else.

Thank you, as always, and say hi if you spot me at your local crag this season…

AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course with Pro Guiding

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 19:56:20 +0000

Where life used to revolve solely around climbing, if you’ve been around awhile you know that I’ve diversified. Saturday marked the start of my fourth season of trying to learn how to ski — a task I wouldn’t highly recommend taking on in your 30s, but in some ways, I wouldn’t trade it. Trying to learn to ski as a grown up has been humbling, and after years of lessons with various instructors, it’s also reminded me that learning new things is hard, which I try to remember when I’m the one doing the teaching, in other areas of my life.

The whole reason I started skiing was to get into the backcountry. I found as a mountaineer that my lack of comfort on snow (read: snow terrifies me) was a liability — I moved slower, and less efficiently than my climbing partners because I wasn’t comfortable with the way snow naturally moves. I fought to keep my grip with every step, burning up precious calories. I thought that learning to ski would help me build comfort with the natural movement of snow under my feet (or boots, or skis), which would help my mountaineering. Plus, the idea of swishing my way up a slope in solitude, away from the crowded slopes of a ski area, is a frequent daydream. My daydreams, however, never actually involve the coming down part. In reality, when it comes to the coming down part, my true nature — my climber nature — comes out. When I’m standing at the top of a slope, looking down, my ski partners cheering the powder and the angle of the terrain, all I can think is “where’s my ice axe, crampons and how do I get traction?”

I haven’t yet developed a skier brain. Maybe this season.

In preparation for another season of trying to develop a skier brain, I signed up for last week’s Pro Guiding AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course. I’ve been trying to get into a course for the last couple of years, and for various reasons have had to postpone, which has meant — for me, and my risk assessment — staying out of the backcountry and sidecountry and sticking to the groomed runs. This year, we’re headed up to the Methow for a hut trip in January, and my rule before we go was to complete an Avy Level 1. So, we signed up for the first weekend in December then prayed for snow.

And maybe we shouldn’t have prayed so hard.

The classroom sessions were okay — it’s tough to stay engaged in a classroom session from 5 to 8:30 pm on a Monday and Wednesday, but our instructors did a good job of keeping the lecture nights interesting, sprinkled with case studies and real-life experiences as well as drilling some of the textbook basics of planning and preparation for a day in avalanche terrain, decision-making, and companion rescue. Then, Saturday morning I scrambled eggs to go, packed up thermoses of tea and soup for lunch, and we headed up to Alpental for the on-snow portion of the training. We spent two full days on snow — Saturday practicing beacon and probe searching, then doing a short tour to practice digging pits and looking at snow conditions; and Sunday doing a tour to practice our field observation skills, practice evaluating terrain and spotting terrain traps, and working our way through a rescue scenario.

Dave and Erin, during the test pit portion of our training on Saturday at Alpental.

The on-snow days were challenging considering my skiing ability (or lack thereof) and the conditions (lots, and lots, and lots of snow). Saturday was — humbling — to say the least, but guide Erin Smart was amazing. She helped me get down the hill in one piece, and was above and beyond encouraging and supportive. I could have written off skiing as “not my thing” after that particular run, and instead, I’m looking forward to scheduling a private lesson with Erin, to try to overcome some of the challenges I’m still having when it comes to deep snow.

I was able to opt to snowshoe on Sunday, so that I could finish the course without being in over my head on the skiing for day two, which was great — although not nearly as easy as I expected, being a novice snowshoer. We toured up to Source Lake and near Snow Lake Divide, and the snowshoeing was strenuous but beautiful and peaceful, and the two of us on snowshoes weren’t that far behind our skiing classmates until the steep downhills. Turns out, descending deep snow on snowshoes is more strenuous even than falling downhill on skis — but thanks to patient guides and travel buddies, and Louise, the 20-year veteran snowshoer in our party who coached me on the way down the tougher terrain and kept me company on the hike out, the day was completely worthwhile.

I expected after the training to be afraid to even set foot in the mountains, for fear of the difficulty of partner rescue, and the increased knowledge of the risks involved.

And I was completely wrong.

Why I can’t seem to give up on learning how to ski, even when it’s frustrating. I love seeing views like this.

Instead, I’m completely jonesing to put trips together, reading the NWAC weather and avy forecasts daily, ordering topo maps for the places I’d like to visit this winter, and looking at the calendar to figure out when I can take a few ski lessons to get my skills up to start the season. The training did not give me a false sense of confidence — I know, firmly, that I’m a novice who needs practice, and who will be choosing my tours conservatively to avoid avalanche risk. But what it did give me is an ability to read a map, read the avalanche and weather forecasts effectively, and look at aspects, elevations, and possible tour options in the safety of my own warm cozy living room, so that I can make tentative plans that suit my skiing ability and the conditions myself. And then, I can get excited about those plans, because I made them myself, and then, when I get to the parking lot, I’ll look up and know what to observe to choose which option is the best choice for that particular day, instead of always just getting to the parking lot, looking up, feeling unprepared, and deciding to buy a lift ticket instead.

A huge thank you to Chris Simmons, Erin Smart, Dave Jordan, Solveig Waterfall and Matt — you were all very effective instructors, and did a great job of meeting a large group of students where we each were. In large groups sometimes I can feel a bit “left behind” because I’m (it’s true) slow, and I didn’t feel that way at all with this class even though my skiing and snowshoeing ability wasn’t quite up to par for the touring we actually did.

On Sunday, partway up the trail, I pulled off the trail to let a faster-moving group of ski tourers by, and a gentleman in the group asked if I was with the Pro Guiding Avy class. I answered yes, and he smiled and said “Thank you.” I guessed that the smiling man was Martin Volken, the owner of Pro Guiding, who nearly all of my skier friends — including some nowhere near the Pacific Northwest — steered me toward when I asked for suggestions of AIARE courses around Seattle. Thank YOU, Martin, for assembling such a great team of guides, and for providing this service to our community.

If you play in avalanche terrain, I’d highly recommend this course. Play safe, out there.

Don’t not climb.

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 17:12:23 +0000

More on my own journey from avid climber to recreational dabbler some other day — but today, I wanted to just share a link to my friend Brendan’s blog post over at Semi-Rad.com. I already went all long-winded in his comments, so I won’t duplicate that all here… I’ll save it for another day. Here’s the link.

A Climbing Accident, by Brendan Leonard

Have a good day today, whether you’re out climbing El Cap or walking across the street to buy milk. Live it well.

Access Update at Gold Bar, WA

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 23:10:33 +0000

Please help spread this announcement far and wide — access at Gold Bar could depend on the climbing community’s compliance with this agreement. From the Washington Climbers Coalition:

As of Winter 2012 the Washington Climbers Coalition (WCC) has secured access to the gate on the road which leads up to the Gold Bar boulders and the approach to Zeke’s Wall. Climbers who are members of the WCC are welcome to climb at the Gold Bar Boulders and to park there for access to Zeke’s Wall, as guests of the Manke Timber Company. Please note: all climbers using this road must be members of the WCC and have a WCC sticker as well as a valid Discover Pass.

Full information is online at: http://www.washingtonclimbers.org/Climbing/goldbar.htm

Please spread the word!

It’s been months. And all I want to do is climb.

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:10:19 +0000

I’ve had an okay ski season, all things considered, but today, looking out the window at a sunny day and clear skies, all I can think is sunshine, warm rock, and climbing bolt to bolt on 5.7s I’ve climbed a hundred times before as warm-ups because I’m so far out of climbing shape I don’t even know what climbing shape is anymore.

I’ve got a ski vacation next week that I’m really excited about, so there’ll be a little jaunt where I embrace winter, but I can’t wait to climb. My hands are sweating just thinking about it.

How about you? When does YOUR season start (or does it never end?)

I’m not usually one to chase numbers.

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 21:47:44 +0000

But, my amazing friends Fitz and Becca are about 10,000 downloads away from the one million downloads mark, for the Dirtbag Diaries.

What does that matter? Well … in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t. Who really cares about one million downloads. Or 5.16. Or 5,000 followers. On the other hand, the fact that Fitz and Becca and their contributers’ stories have been heard by ears somewhere near a million times literally gives me chills… it reminds me that there are a whole lot of “us” out there, and gave me pause to think about the part that the Diaries have played in my life.

I started out a fan. I’ve listened to the Diaries for years… usually storing up several episodes at a time to binge on during late night solo drives on big, long stretches of open road. Through the wonder of social media, I connected with Fitz and then bumped into him (he has a rather … um … recognizable voice) and met Becca at a crag in Leavenworth, WA. They welcomed me around their campfire that evening, and a treasured friendship that has grown into familyness blossomed.

So, now, the least I can do is point y’all toward my all time favorite Diaries. Download. Listen. Let tears come to your eyes, and laugh out loud at the shared, familiar hilarity of living life by saying “Yes” to it. Be thankful for the lives of adventure that we each get to live, and for the talented storytellers that connect us to each other.

And far be it from me to pay attention to numbers, but, would you care to help push the Diaries over the million download mark?

May I recommend you start with (or, re-listen to) five of my all-time favorite Diaries. The links below are to files you can listen to live; if you’d like to download the podcast, visit iTunes and search for The Dirtbag Diaries.

Now, my top five favorite Diaries, in no particular order:

Love you, Cahalls. Thank you for the gifts that you give us (your fans and listeners) and me (your friend). Please, please keep up the good work. For a long time to come.

I know there are Diaries fans reading this. Chime in with links to your favorites, in the comments!

AAC, you had me at Jack Tackle.

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:04:38 +0000

Dear American Alpine Club:

I should have joined eons ago. I know. It’s been on my to do list — literally — for years.

I’m going to Rockfest in Mazama this weekend, and I nearly joined when I registered for Rockfest. I’m not sure what stopped me.

But today, when I received this announcement from the talented Abbey Smith on behalf of the AAC, it tipped me over the edge.

Love,

Sara, your newest member.

Climb with a Legend!

Join the AAC by June 30 and you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a massive prize package:

$1,000 cash +
$500 Black Diamond gift certificate +
your choice of weekend adventure:

Maple Canyon sport climbing with Brittany Griffith
Castleton Tower with Jack Tackle
Alpine bouldering with Jason Kehl
Ice climbing with Kim Reynolds

Click here to join now: http://www.americanalpineclub.org/p/climb-with-a-legend

The Love Letter: Not your Typical Adventure Film

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 20:10:17 +0000

I just reviewed The Love Letter by Fitz and Becca Cahall over at Elephant Journal… if you don’t feel like reading the review, the short version is, I loved it. For a long list of reasons. But if you don’t feel like reading the review, you won’t want to read them here either, so I’ll keep it short.

FYI – EJ puts up a paywall if you visit more than a couple of articles (or the same article multiple times) during the day. If you want to share that link with friends but you’re hitting the paywall, you can share the link:

http://bit.ly/e5Apiq

with your friends. Though, really, I’d encourage subscribing. I’m writing non-climbing stuff there and loving it, and find myself reading more and more.

Enjoy, and give the Love Letter some love.

AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor Training March 18-20 in Boulder, CO

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 04:34:04 +0000

I was having dinner with one of my amazing, incredible, talented climber girlfriends tonight, and she mentioned that her upcoming AMGA certification Climbing Wall Instructor Training course may be cancelled because of low enrollment. The course needs two more enrollees in order to run.

Have you thought about starting AMGA training? Now’s the time!

The Climbing Wall Instructor Certification is described here on the AMGA website. The full information about the upcoming course is available from the training provider, Colorado Mountain School. Students will learn:

Client orientation and instruction
Teaching general climbing skills and movement
Teaching top-roping and lead belaying techniques
Equipment and facility use
Rescue and emergency procedures

And registration is $350. To register, don’t email: Call CMS directly at 1-800-836-4008 and ask for EJ. If you or someone you know has been thinking about taking the course, do it! You’ll be in excellent company, if so!

Re: Six weeks to Mount Rainier. Um, I mean, five.

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:52:16 +0000

Not sure if these are too light for you, but Jen has loved her La Sportiva Trango S EVO GTX: http://www.sportiva.com/produc...
Also, my coworker Terry is hitting Rainier this weekend, and he wrote a nice piece about his training experience http://findout.rei.com/blog_de... He has all his research listed out too which is nice.

Have fun, be safe, and can't wait to see the photo from the summit!

Re: Six weeks to Mount Rainier. Um, I mean, five.

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:35:48 +0000

ooh, you can fit men's boots? that gives you more options...

Re: Six weeks to Mount Rainier. Um, I mean, five.

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:13:08 +0000

I used the La Sportiva Trango Extreme Evo Light GTX in Patagonia last winter and they worked out just fine. The only issue I had (which can be said for ANY boot) is rubbing in certain spots - no matter how broken in they are. What I can't advise on is whether it will be enough insulation versus plastic, but they are a pretty comfortable and tough boot! I used them in snow with gaiters and was perfectly dry from the outside in. (The only wetness was from sweating inside the boot!)

Re: Six weeks to Mount Rainier. Um, I mean, five.

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:12:05 +0000

Both boots will work well. I bought the Mont Blanc's earlier this year (not keen on the color but they are solid) for 3 season use. Certainly remember to size them bigger to accommodate your feet swelling from the altitude and heavy use. I personally go up to a size larger than my street size since the socks also need factored in. Also get custom/aftermarket footbeds. Well worth the $$.

Re: Six weeks to Mount Rainier. Um, I mean, five.

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:47:12 +0000

I am not a gear junkie so I would recommend that you rent some plastics. The problem is that Rainier via the DC is so different from most other mountains in the Northwest (pavement + glacier to 14,000 vs. trail + bushwhacking + scree field + stream crossing + log hopping + a little snow + a little rock to 8,500) that the best boots for Rainier are going to be useless for anything except volcanoes and winter/ice.

Have fun!! It looks like I'm not getting on a Rainier trip this year so I will have to live vicariously through all of you...

Re: Six weeks to Mount Rainier. Um, I mean, five.

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:46:37 +0000

Cardio has been my focus up until recently, then I started adding in carrying weight to make sure that I could slow build for my knees (which aren't great) and back / core to adapt. It's been going well! I'm still doing cardio... still doing lunges... still doing core and still doing hikes both weighted and unweighted for fun. I appreciate the tips, though -- I think you're right about getting in some long trail runs, since that will help push my cardio even further.

Gear... I've actually got it narrowed down to a couple of choices that I feel confident about. The rental options are plastics and I'm not crazy about climbing in plastics... we're late enough in the season that I anticipate I'll stay warm in a well insulated mountain boot, and then will be much happier for the rest of the trip. I'm looking at:

La Sportiva Trango Extreme Evo Light GTX:

http://www.mountaingear.com/pages/product/produ...

and the Scarpa Mont Blanc:

http://www.mountaingear.com/pages/product/produ...

I have fit the Trango platform before so I know my size and how they fit; I've test fit a pair of Scarpas built on a similar last so I know how they fit. I'm going to pull the trigger today on one or the other and test hike in them... and look into rental plastics just in case!

Thanks so much for your note, and the encouragement!

Re: Six weeks to Mount Rainier. Um, I mean, five.

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:38:27 +0000

Paul - thanks for the note... it typifies what a segment of my friends are telling me. "You'll be FINE! Stop worrying! Rainier is no big deal!"

While I appreciate the vote of confidence from people who know... Rainier IS a big deal for me, even if it isn't for everyone. I have a history with snow / glacier travel, and it's a scared / scary one. I have, historically, had trouble with quick ascents in terms of elevation symptoms (not as worried about this trip, since it's so short and I can withstand a reasonable level of symptoms for a number of days... but still). Some of us also have other complications... I'm an occasional asthmatic, and I've learned a lot about how to keep myself out of trouble, but moving at a group's pace rather than at my own plodding pace is a risk factor for me for an attack.

So, for me, climbing Rainier is a big deal. I hope, after this trip, that I'll look back on it and think... man, that wasn't that bad... I'll do it again... or what's the NEXT adventure? But, until I'm looking back on it, it's a big (manageable) deal, and I'm not stressing it, but I am taking it seriously!

Thanks for the tips... much appreciated!

Re: Rock climbing: the sexiest sport

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:37:43 +0000

Just saw this:

http://alpineinstitute.blogspo...

Do we embrace the term MountainSexual?

- Luke

Re: Six weeks to Mount Rainier. Um, I mean, five.

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:01:07 +0000

You will be fine! Focus on cardio and weight training (lunges get the legs in shape for the slog up the DC) if you don't have time for the long hikes. Some longer trail runs can certainly help if you have the time. If you can get one solid long hike with a pack in 2-4 weeks before the trip they you'll know what muscles need fine tuned during taper. As for gear I suggest renting unless you know what boots you really like/need for future mountaineering climbs. Enjoy the trip and experience; Rainier is a beautiful introduction to glaicers and the rare air of altitude. Cheers!

Re: Six weeks to Mount Rainier. Um, I mean, five.

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 03:36:41 +0000

I think you are over thinking this trip. It's not that bad. I am sure you are in a good enough physical shape to get to the top !
As a personal trainer, I trained people for both Rainier climb and Grand Canyon rim-to-rim trips, and unfortunately, nothing will substitute "natural environment " ( hiking/backpacking).
As for gear, I'd go with everything rental. For my first Rainier climb, I rented half of my gear from Feathered Friends in Seattle, and bought the rest from ...WalMart.
You'll be just fine ! Enjoy your adventure !

Re: Tales of outdoor romance #1: Lauren and the suspected pot-smoking carabiner designer

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:01:27 +0000

Great Story, nice layout and I am glad it had a happy ending!

Re: Rock climbing: the sexiest sport

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 10:01:20 +0000

Awesome post Sara! So, a couple of things:
1. Don't believe magazine surveys, or general purpose surveys, unless they include their methodology, statistical margin of error, and multiple surveys over a randomized population and multiple periods of time. I guarantee I could do a survey that would refute, or bolster the results that you've cited. ;-)
2. If the number really is 41%, you have to realize that you don't really want to spend a lot of time with dudes who live in the other 59% of the population. They play golf, worship Hannity, and are currently bidding on a Russian bride.
3. I'm with Peter Carey's opinion: Strong women in general (both physically and mentally), and Climber girls in particular, are hella sexy. As Jeff Bezos once said, "I want a woman who can get me out of a third world prison."
4. If you look at the world, particularly the USA part of the world, and you look at its culture, you KNOW that it wouldn't be this screwed up if a majority of people were truly alive and aware, and truly lived here as if they valued this place and the beings in it, and treasured every moment they've got. Most simply don't. But some do. And lots of them climb. (They also run trails, hike, base jump, etc, etc) And you know that the person you want to be attracted to, and by, is in that group. That group will ALWAYS be a minority.....but so what? It's always been that way. That's what makes the special people special. ;-)

Cheers,

Greg

Re: More RockClimberGirl.com than you could ever want to read...

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 04:14:27 +0000

So glad you are joining us on wordpress!

Re: More RockClimberGirl.com than you could ever want to read...

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 09:40:02 +0000

Definitely looking forward to the new redesign and move to Wordpress -- new features!

Re: More RockClimberGirl.com than you could ever want to read...

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 04:14:04 +0000

I really enjoyed the interview on PFR. Very encouraging for aspiring climbers and bloggers.

Re: Rock climbing: the sexiest sport

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:02:58 +0000

Coincidentally I was just reading an old 1971 guidebook called "Climber's Guide to Yosemite Valley" by Steve Roper. In the introduction he notes that in 1971 "hippies are regarded as one step below climbers" on the attraction scale - meaning, uh, not very attractive. He also says, "Climbing in general is becoming an acceptable activity and perhaps the day will arrive when a 1970 statement in the SF Chronice may prove right: 'climbing daredevils apparently hold great attraction for young women.'" Well, Steve, that day has arrived and been around a long time. Rock climbing dudes are hot! I'm happy to see the research has caught up and validated what us climbing chicks have known all along.

Re: More RockClimberGirl.com than you could ever want to read...

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:56:10 +0000

Great interview on PumpFactoryRoad. Good luck on Rainier.

Re: Rock climbing: the sexiest sport

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 01:17:03 +0000

Great post and interesting study. Since I grew up as a skinny, petite type, I found I carried that self image with me far into my more athletic days, I think it helped shield me from any "you're too muscular" comments my Mom made. Just recently I was struck by a photo in a newspaper article from a few months ago in which I happened to be standing with my back to the camera with a group of other climbers. I didn't realize my back looked so broad! I'll have to admit it made me pause a little.

My husband (who I got into climbing while we were dating) keeps telling me he thinks my back is sexy and recently told me after a 10 day climbing trip which honed me a bit that I've been looking more "capable" I'm not quite sure what that means but I think it's positive ;)

Re: Rock climbing: the sexiest sport

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:45:38 +0000

I love women with strong arms! Especially my girlfriend. Now, if she would just lead the hard pitches ...

Re: Rock climbing: the sexiest sport

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 20:32:49 +0000

I'm part of that 41%! Extra bonus if she ice climbs or mountaineers. :-) I agree with Peter having the confidence to climb and to push through the tough days makes any women sexier. Great post.

Re: Rock climbing: the sexiest sport

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:35:26 +0000

Looking at it another way, for me confident, self-assured women with inner strength are hella sexy. The better you get at climbing, the more those qualities are strengthened as well as muscles (in both sexes). A woman who knows how to face her personal fears (tons of us have a fear of falling, but we climb anyway) and have the courage to continue also fits in the hella sexy category. You need those attributes, and more, to keep on climbing and really enjoy it and for me that's what makes a climber chick attractive. It does help that 99% of female climbers tend to be fit. Yeah, ok, that outside stuff is sexy too.

Re: Rock climbing: the sexiest sport

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:26:39 +0000

Climber girls are Hottt. End of story.

Re: Rock climbing: the sexiest sport

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:24:35 +0000

What a great post!

As a followup to that study, I'd like to see the backgrounds and personality types of those 6000 people. The things they seemed to choose as "sexy" are the stereo-typical evolutionarily advantageous characteristics: women want a strong mate, men want a fertile woman. Women who weight train aren't synonymous with baby making in my experience. Maybe somewhere in that 41 percent of men we would find guys who'd choose a mate based on common mindset and personality. I'd want to be with a climber because I enjoy being with someone who thinks the same way I do. You have to admit, it takes a special person not to shower for a week, fall and fail, and come out smiling. :)

Re: Rock climbing: the sexiest sport

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:19:44 +0000

Hm, I think there's a difference between being attracted to the look and being ok with a woman who climbs "better" than they do (and I'm not even talking about all the time, or even usually). The first there are plenty of, the second I have yet to find.

The culture doesn't make it any easier either. If I finish a guy's lead and even if he doesn't say anything, his buddies are almost certainly going to mock him for it.

I can't imagine what it must be like for women who are actually top climbers...

Re: Rock climbing: the sexiest sport

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:02:47 +0000

This touches indirectly on something I struggled a lot with as a swimmer growing up and in college. As a swimmer, my upper body was...massive, at least relative to "normal" girls. By the time I got to college, I was so self conscious about my back and arms that I'd make a concerted effort to hide them (as if that's possible). I'd feel like guys would say they were attracted to tall, fit, athletic girls, but when push came to shove, the majority of them went for the more petite, less toned of the group. It caused all sorts of insecurities!

But I've grown to love and cherish my muscles, like you said, and have discovered it is actually possible for men to appreciate them! Those men may be few and far between, but if they can't appreciate muscles, they can stay on the ground by themselves :)