There has been so much thought and effort that has gone into this question. It seems to me that several climbers have wondered the same thing. And although there are a range of answers, the answers seem to overlap. I know that personally, I have been able to identify with the reasons stated by professional and recreational climbers alike. Perhaps that is one of the reasons I climb, because you meet and relate to people from every walk of life.
Through this sport I have found so much I never even knew I lacked. I even struggle to use the word sport, because to me, it is so much more. Steph Davis once described climbing as the ‘pure path of spiritual joy’. And whilst I am far more conservative and reserved than that, I relate to the sentiment.
Through my climbing I learnt about myself. I have learnt that the mind is stronger than the body and in me it needs to be trained just as hard. I’ve learnt that I expect a lot from myself, but that without the necessary work, these expectations can be negative. I’ve learnt not to give up at the first sign of difficulty, that if you keep a positive outlook and keep trying, you may surprise yourself. But most importantly, I’ve learnt that this is and should be fun. And if its not, its time to rest.
I’ve discovered places I would never have been to otherwise. I been to arbitrary locations all over South Africa and parts of the world, simply because the climbing was good. I’ve suffered in 40 degree temperature in Oudshoorne, sweated in Thailand and slogged up hills I would never have climbed but for the climbing waiting at the top.
Before climbing, my life BC, I would have spent my weekends in shopping centres, worrying about clothes and boys. I started climbing as an 18 year old. And instantly those worries faded. I wanted to be strong and competent. I wanted to climb constantly. The way I viewed my body changed. Instead of not being thin enough, or taller enough, or whatever silly issue we subject ourselves to, my body become this strong and powerful machine that got me up climbs. Sure, I still had those issues and I still do. I’m not light enough, I’m not strong enough, etc. But these thoughts are tempered by the euphoria of getting up a climb I’ve never done before. I believe in the usefulness and power of my body.
Through climbing, I’ve met the most interesting and colourful characters I’ve ever known. I’ve made friends that will last a lifetime. Sure we’ve fought, gotten annoyed with each other, complained. But I’ve become a better friend for it.
But for me, the most important reason is the world I’ve discovered through climbing. The rugged, complicated and beautiful natural world.
Through this sport I have found so much I never even knew I lacked. I even struggle to use the word sport, because to me, it is so much more. Steph Davis once described climbing as the ‘pure path of spiritual joy’. And whilst I am far more conservative and reserved than that, I relate to the sentiment.
Through my climbing I learnt about myself. I have learnt that the mind is stronger than the body and in me it needs to be trained just as hard. I’ve learnt that I expect a lot from myself, but that without the necessary work, these expectations can be negative. I’ve learnt not to give up at the first sign of difficulty, that if you keep a positive outlook and keep trying, you may surprise yourself. But most importantly, I’ve learnt that this is and should be fun. And if its not, its time to rest.
I’ve discovered places I would never have been to otherwise. I been to arbitrary locations all over South Africa and parts of the world, simply because the climbing was good. I’ve suffered in 40 degree temperature in Oudshoorne, sweated in Thailand and slogged up hills I would never have climbed but for the climbing waiting at the top.
Before climbing, my life BC, I would have spent my weekends in shopping centres, worrying about clothes and boys. I started climbing as an 18 year old. And instantly those worries faded. I wanted to be strong and competent. I wanted to climb constantly. The way I viewed my body changed. Instead of not being thin enough, or taller enough, or whatever silly issue we subject ourselves to, my body become this strong and powerful machine that got me up climbs. Sure, I still had those issues and I still do. I’m not light enough, I’m not strong enough, etc. But these thoughts are tempered by the euphoria of getting up a climb I’ve never done before. I believe in the usefulness and power of my body.
Through climbing, I’ve met the most interesting and colourful characters I’ve ever known. I’ve made friends that will last a lifetime. Sure we’ve fought, gotten annoyed with each other, complained. But I’ve become a better friend for it.
But for me, the most important reason is the world I’ve discovered through climbing. The rugged, complicated and beautiful natural world.
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