competition in climbing?

Post by **One-Fall** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 2:12 am

"None of this would matter if it weren't for the fact that, for many, climbing is most definitely a competitive sport. "
- L K Day (probably taken out of context)

LKD is one of THE definitive forces that shaped the Red. Whenever he says something, I pay extra attention. He didn't say which catagory he falls into (competitive or not), but I'm curious how many out there would define your climbing at the Red as competitive? If we met at the crag, would you feel the need to pull harder than me?

In years past, I never really felt this, but in the last 2-3 years, with the huge influx of people, I see the competitive thing happen all the time.

your thoughts?

Post by **pigsteak** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 2:15 am

is competition just person vs. person? or can you compete against yourself?

Post by **Der Revir** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 2:34 am

it's weird i have been getting that vibe for the last five years honestly i dont even like walkin into miguels it just seems like a choad fest except for the norms that are always there you know who you are they are cool but the other people who come in from other places seems like they look at you and size you up. last time i checked my dome peace i climbed for inner peace or some bull crap like that. lets not revel here on unimportant thoughts jedi

Post by **overhung** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 2:45 am

Der Revir wrote:it's weird i have been getting that vibe for the last five years honestly i dont even like walkin into miguels it just seems like a choad fest except for the norms that are always there you know who you are they are cool but the other people who come in from other places seems like they look at you and size you up. last time i checked my dome peace i climbed for inner peace or some bull crap like that. lets not revel here on unimportant thoughts jedi

ditto

Post by **One-Fall** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 2:49 am

piggie,

Im not talking about pushing your personal limits. Scenerio: You don't know me and we meet up at crag X. Do you feel the need to tell me that the climb you are on is just a warm up and you are about to project route X? If you fall on it, do you need to tell me its your fourth day on and you have the flu?

Is there competitiion between you and me even if we have never met?

Post by **mike_anderson** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 2:55 am

Dude, you should check out Colorado if you think people are competitive here. Where do you think the word "raditude" came from?

Post by **pigsteak** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 3:12 am

gotcha one fall...sometimes, however, I think people are uncomfortable with this competition/spray/attitude/whatever because they feel threatened by these folks. I know that is me at times. If I have trained real hard and some young wanker warms up on my proj, I am embarassed. If I am out of shape and making a fool of myself at the cliff, it is double embarasssing because I have the need to let explain my pathetic self. Probably more insecurity on my part than anything to do with the "competitive" dude.

I only say all this because I heard it said once or twice that the people/actions we despise and /or hate is usually because we carry those same traits inside ourselves.

Post by **jdstic2** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 4:40 am

im only competative when the person is climbing weaker than me, when they're stronger i run and hide until they leave

Post by **Shamis** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 7:02 am

People who cannot climb hard are clearly out of favor with Jesus and should be avoided.

Post by **Jeff** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 9:18 am

mike_anderson wrote:Dude, you should check out Colorado if you think people are competitive here. Where do you think the word "raditude" came from?

That's funny because I think what sparked this discussion was an incident involving people from CO.