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petrophase
Aug 10, 2006, 2:19 AM
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Does one have to be thin and light to trad climb? Like many nOObs, I guess, I was introduced to climbing through a gym. At least for the overhanging face climbs prominent at the gym, it seems like only skinny tall guys can climb 5.9 or above. As a short and stocky type (though not particularly out of shape) am I effectively barred from trad climbing? Should I start buying rice cakes in bulk?http://i18.photobucket.com/...orge_costanza020.jpg
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cosmiccragsman
Aug 10, 2006, 2:25 AM
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I know a few climbers that are pushing 200 lbs,
and they climb Trad very well.
cosmiccragsman
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anykineclimb
Aug 10, 2006, 2:26 AM
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LOL
You're more likely to see the husky types at trad areas than sport climbing.
You see, sporto's get all wrapped up in losing as much weight as possible to get themselves up that heinous 5.11c ;)
for the record, I've known guys over 200# pull 5.12 so don't sweat it.
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climbsomething
Aug 10, 2006, 3:07 AM
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In reply to: At least for the overhanging face climbs prominent at the gym, it seems like only skinny tall guys can climb 5.9 or above. As a short and stocky type (though not particularly out of shape) am I effectively barred from trad climbing? Should I start buying rice cakes in bulk? http://i18.photobucket.com/...orge_costanza020.jpg
You could try getting some of that in bulk.
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petrophase
Aug 10, 2006, 3:14 AM
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Know where I can pick up some inherently better technique? I've got my checkbook open...
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superbum
Aug 10, 2006, 3:23 AM
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one word...Largo.
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climbsomething
Aug 10, 2006, 4:19 AM
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In reply to: Know where I can pick up some inherently better technique? I've got my checkbook open...
So go the harder route, and LEARN technique. That's something anybody can do- And no, it can't be bought, so put your checkbook and indignance away, a'ight?
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off_route
Aug 10, 2006, 4:58 AM
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I got loads of technique. Some to spare even. Know how I can tell? I'm not using any of it when I climb!
Make your check out to: "Off_Route"
OR :twisted:
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curt
Aug 10, 2006, 5:04 AM
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In reply to: Know where I can pick up some inherently better technique? I've got my checkbook open...
But, how's your balance?
Curt
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climbsomething
Aug 10, 2006, 5:05 AM
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Oh, and to answer your specific question, you don't have to be a rail to climb trad. Being fat is generally a hindrance to a lot of physical pursuits, but you say you're merely stocky. Stocky is ok, and not a death knell for climbing. Work with what you have if that's your natural body type. But again, I'm gonna use the T word. Technique. Jamming, bridging, chimneying, etc, are generally not things we were born knowing how to do. So find a mentor and work at it.
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climbsomething
Aug 10, 2006, 5:05 AM
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In reply to: In reply to: Know where I can pick up some inherently better technique? I've got my checkbook open... But, how's your balance? Curt |
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climbsomething
Aug 10, 2006, 5:46 AM
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petro, you know I come in peace, right? More or less? :mrgreen:
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epoch
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Aug 10, 2006, 11:41 AM
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I'm 200 lbs (90 or so kilos), though I am a lean 200. It really doesn't matter if you are 250 or 140. When it comes to pushing the higher grades, strength and, importantly, technique should be about even. I know a 250lb ogar that could outclimb me. I personally think it is about how much expierence you have.
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caughtinside
Aug 10, 2006, 4:27 PM
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In reply to: it seems like only skinny tall guys can climb 5.9 or above. As a short and stocky type (though not particularly out of shape) am I effectively barred from trad climbing?
You are mostly correct. I saw one fat guy climb a 5.10 one time. But other than that, yeah, unless you drop that whole 'stocky' angle you're working, you're pretty much doomed to 5.9.
But do not fret! You have plenty of soft climbing colleauges on this site!
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andypro
Aug 10, 2006, 4:56 PM
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For what it's worth, until my wrist injury I could climb mid to high 12's. I havn't been under 200 pounds since I was 16! And, believe it or not, you CAN write a check for better technique :wink: Back when I was a little numbers chaser I took a climbing clinic type thing by Hans Florine, and learned a buncha little tricks to make life easier. I swear, after that clinic, I could climb a tenth of a letter grade better...if not TWO TENTHS!! :lol:
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elvislegs
Aug 10, 2006, 7:34 PM
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just quit. climbing is not for fat, whiny, little kids. it is only for skinny people who were born with perfect footwork. TRUF!1
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seric
Aug 10, 2006, 7:40 PM
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In reply to: I saw one fat guy climb a 5.10 one time.
Hey, me too! Must have been the same guy.
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j_ung
Aug 10, 2006, 8:21 PM
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I'm short and stocky: 5'6" 165#. I'm comfortable at .10 trad with an occasional foray into .11-land.
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crazygirl
Aug 10, 2006, 9:24 PM
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In reply to: In reply to: I saw one fat guy climb a 5.10 one time. Hey, me too! Must have been the same guy.
ok, i'll play.
How fat was he?
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grampacharlie
Aug 10, 2006, 9:32 PM
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I've found that after I take long breaks from climbing, two months or more, I can still climb cracks fairly well, and boulder just under what I had previously accomplished. I'll deffinately be all kinds of stiff and sore the next day, but the only thing that saves my climbing ability is decent technique.
And I wouldn't call myself tall and skinny either :wink:
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seric
Aug 10, 2006, 10:09 PM
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In reply to: How fat was he?
and ealier:
In reply to: whatever you do, just remember: very short shorts and/or tight lycra are not flattering on big butts!
Come on crazygirl, this means you know WHO we are all talking about :wink:
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styndall
Aug 10, 2006, 10:59 PM
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In reply to: In reply to: In reply to: I saw one fat guy climb a 5.10 one time. Hey, me too! Must have been the same guy. ok, i'll play. How fat was he?
He was so fat that when he goes to the movies, he sits next to everybody.
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abe_ascends
Aug 10, 2006, 11:12 PM
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He was so fat that when he sits around the house, he sits AROUND the house.
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styndall
Aug 11, 2006, 12:03 AM
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In reply to: He was so fat that when he sits around the house, he sits AROUND the house.
haha
Your sig is teenage Abe Lincoln from Clone High! I loved that MTV show way back when!
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abe_ascends
Aug 11, 2006, 3:54 AM
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Haha! Nice. The show was brilliant. I bought the 1st (and only) season dvd. ...And I am Abe.
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