|
jbone
Sep 13, 2002, 12:59 AM
Post #1 of 48
(4042 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 30, 2002
Posts: 463
|
I was wondering what you all think the Best Age is, was, or has been for you?
I started when I was 20 yrs old but I think I peaked when I was 26. If I started at a different time (Age) would it have been different?
I'm Qurious as to your thoughts on this?
Thanks
JBone
|
|
|
|
|
boz84
Sep 13, 2002, 1:03 AM
Post #2 of 48
(4042 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Sep 7, 2002
Posts: 473
|
I started when I was 10, but didnt do much (when I first started i went to REI every week), but after that I didnt go too much, and I didnt heavily start climbing until 2 years ago, when i was 16. I think peak would be mid-late twenties. By then you'll have the best strength-weight ratio ( i would guess).
|
|
|
|
|
the_elk
Sep 13, 2002, 1:15 AM
Post #3 of 48
(4042 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 24, 2002
Posts: 200
|
I don't believe there's any one BEST age to become a climber.
It's about whether you're having fun!
That said,
I started at the age of 18, but had I been introduced earlier I dare say I would've got into it earlier.
After 6 years of climbing though, I am peaking now at age 24. I'm pushing limits, competing like a nut, and training 3 or 4 times a week and getting very serious about keeping fit and strong. I think part of my committment to the sport has to do with my age, but you can enjoy it at any age. I recently met a guy who got into climbing in his late 30's because his son got into it and needed a belay slave. And he loves it just as much as his son now.
Cheers.
Elk
|
|
|
|
|
jmlangford
Sep 13, 2002, 1:23 AM
Post #4 of 48
(4042 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Sep 2, 2001
Posts: 1569
|
My first climb was when I climbed out of my mom at 9 mos., so I started pretty young. All those years of climbing didn't help my development or skill at all!
|
|
|
|
|
clymber
Sep 13, 2002, 1:26 AM
Post #5 of 48
(4042 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Feb 8, 2002
Posts: 1259
|
the best age changes every day for me
|
|
|
|
|
climbinganne
Sep 13, 2002, 1:27 AM
Post #6 of 48
(4042 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Apr 15, 2002
Posts: 11679
|
twenty-two
|
|
|
|
|
climbingpride
Sep 13, 2002, 1:29 AM
Post #7 of 48
(4042 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 6, 2001
Posts: 571
|
Personaly i think the earlier the better. This alows you to have down the skills when you are physicaly at your peak. But if your here you've allready started so you cant chage it any more. To bad though, that could have helped a lot of us.
|
|
|
|
|
cragchica
Sep 13, 2002, 1:51 AM
Post #8 of 48
(4042 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 29, 2002
Posts: 183
|
Right on, skibabage!
NOW is definitely the best time to climb!
I often wish I had started climbing earlier and quickly realize that there is a good reason most climbers don't start until they are older - climbing is expensive! I know at 13 (the first time I ever climbed - on a wall at a YMCA camp retreat) I certainly didn't have money for a harness, shoes, gym passes, not to mention transportation to crags/gym etc. However, if I had been lucky enough - as it seems a bunch of you all are - I would have jumped at the chance!
I started climbing (for real) about a year ago (at 18). For me this was the perfect time to start. I have the rest of my life to hone my skills and expand my horizons. Somewhere between now and the time I die, I'll climb my hardest climb, but in reality - now is really the best time to climb!
|
|
|
|
|
jgill
Sep 13, 2002, 3:29 AM
Post #9 of 48
(4042 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 18, 2002
Posts: 653
|
At the age of 65 I'm actually having as much fun now (on easier things)as I had 40 years ago (on harder things). What's important is to allow your perspective of the sport to change as you age. If I were still focused on very hard problems I would feel miserable (and much pain!). Keep this in mind as you grow older, youngsters!
|
|
|
|
|
philbox
Moderator
Sep 13, 2002, 3:40 AM
Post #10 of 48
(4042 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 27, 2002
Posts: 13105
|
Hey JMLangford, I`ve got visions of a sick mantle bouldering problem there dude, oh, um, nah on second thought I better not go there eh. I`m hearing ya though. I always brag that I climbed before I could crawl but you went one better than me. I also climbed the clothes line up the back yard before I was two and then did every tree in the district. I`ve been climbing ever since in my work as well as play.
...Phil...
|
|
|
|
|
beyond_gravity
Sep 13, 2002, 3:41 AM
Post #11 of 48
(4042 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jan 2, 2002
Posts: 5078
|
so if i'm doing easy stuff now...does that mean i'm going to be climbing low angled ladders when i'm 50?
|
|
|
|
|
jbone
Sep 13, 2002, 3:41 AM
Post #12 of 48
(4042 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 30, 2002
Posts: 463
|
Holy Cow,
Right on Sir...
I'm so totally stoked you said that..
Can I ask you a Question. Did you ever have any injuries that you thought might keep you from climbing from that point on?
And another... And another..... And another..
I would love the chance to talk shop with you.. WOuld you have the TIme..?
Have a Great Climbing "Bouldering" Day
JBone
|
|
|
|
|
therelic
Sep 13, 2002, 4:47 AM
Post #13 of 48
(4042 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 11, 2002
Posts: 136
|
Climbing is about enjoying yourself. If you enjoy it and can do it, go for it. For those of you that think you will only be able to climb ladders when you pass the half century mark, it isn’t necessarily so. I climbed with a rope for the first time when I was 51. I think by starting so late in life I must feel as though I missed something. So, in a relaxed sort of way I get on all the 5.12’s I can and even get up some of them. To be honest with you I doubt I could have done better in my twenties
|
|
|
|
|
ajkclay
Sep 13, 2002, 4:54 AM
Post #14 of 48
(4042 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 9, 2002
Posts: 1567
|
Go jgill!!!!! You are a legend!
It depends on what you want, when you are younger, you are more powerful, and flexible, but as you age you become more patient, tolerant to pain, and have more 'grit'. I guess that the best mix would occur in the mid-twenties, but this means that to make the most of the physiological advantages of that age bracket, you would have mastered the basics and technique prior to this.
|
|
|
|
|
ecocliffchick
Sep 13, 2002, 3:35 PM
Post #15 of 48
(4042 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 4, 2002
Posts: 613
|
In terms of peak ability I would guess that climbers most likely mirror elite gymnasts. Females will have their greatest strength:weight ratio in their early teenage years (13-16) and males in their mid twenties. So I seem to have missed my peak....damn it!
|
|
|
|
|
litedawg
Sep 13, 2002, 4:37 PM
Post #16 of 48
(4042 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 29, 2001
Posts: 337
|
Can you detect a pulse? do most of your limbs retain function? Then you are the perfect age to climb.
On a more serious note I wish I would have gotten into climbing at a younger age. I am 28 and with a job, school, wife and two kids i struggle to find time to hit the rock. I had much more time and less body fat at 16 than I do now.
|
|
|
|
|
rocks4jules
Sep 13, 2002, 5:21 PM
Post #17 of 48
(4042 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 27, 2002
Posts: 287
|
I'm sure everyone will tell you their own age since immediately would work. I am 39 and just started, however, I am very athletic and in really great shape. I would think that starting as a teen would be the best -- or even younger, as the more experience you have the better you get. I can't get enough of climbing since I started in June, and all my extra $$$ goes towards new gear. I'm hooked at 39. CLIMB ON AND HAVE FUN!!!
JULES
|
|
|
|
|
radistrad
Sep 13, 2002, 5:22 PM
Post #18 of 48
(4042 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Feb 25, 2002
Posts: 800
|
I started at 20 and am 30 now. I think the last two years have been the best. Why? Because I can finally afford the gear!
|
|
|
|
|
camhead
Sep 13, 2002, 5:24 PM
Post #19 of 48
(4042 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Sep 10, 2001
Posts: 20939
|
Most training experts agree that for climbing, the body hits its peak around 25-28. I hope to god that Anne is not right in saying 22 is the peak, or I'm screwed!
Still, all this is highly subjective. Hell, I saw a fifty year old onsight a 13a this summer!
|
|
|
|
|
mreardon
Sep 13, 2002, 5:36 PM
Post #20 of 48
(4042 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 17, 2002
Posts: 1337
|
10 years ago in my early 20s I supposedly hit my peak (onsighting hard .12 in Joshua Tree). Got injured, took a couple years off, then slowly got back in. Took more time off then about three years ago jumped in and got serious again. Now I'm in my thirties and pulling some of the hardest stuff I've ever done, or even dreamed of doing. JGill said it best. It's about the perspective. I used to think climbing a 5.13 sport climb was a big deal. Now I think it's pulling a multi-pitch 5.12 trad climb. I've been with people that started climbing in their late 30s and had them leading 5.11 in under a year, and know of people in their 20s who can't figure out how to lead a 5.9. It's a matter of how you feel. Personally, I think I have yet to peak, it's just a matter of what the type of climbing is.
|
|
|
|
|
toobigtoclimb
Sep 13, 2002, 5:55 PM
Post #21 of 48
(4042 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Dec 14, 2001
Posts: 426
|
I think this is the best age to climb.
In the dark ages you would be too weak from plague to really pull off any good climbs. A little later, in the middle ages, you would have to try and climb in that pesky suit of armor - very tough on mantle moves. During the renaissance those big poofy collars and sleeves would hold you back from good jambing.....
Yes...this is definitely the best age for climbing.
[ This Message was edited by: toobigtoclimb on 2002-09-13 10:55 ]
|
|
|
|
|
indigo_nite
Sep 13, 2002, 5:56 PM
Post #22 of 48
(4042 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 3, 2002
Posts: 365
|
sometimes I think, boy, if I started this in junior high, how advanced would I be...
but then, any day that I can look forward to my next climb/trip, that's enough.
I met these retired nuns who got into climbing later in life. I never talked with them about their nun experience but like their adventurous spirits. Actually the climbing nun concept is kind of intriguing. In fact, it could be quite habit-forming. (heh heh)
[ This Message was edited by: indigo_nite on 2002-09-13 11:14 ]
|
|
|
|
|
climbjs
Sep 13, 2002, 5:56 PM
Post #23 of 48
(4042 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 1, 2002
Posts: 379
|
When you're still in the womb...
|
|
|
|
|
ximiana
Sep 13, 2002, 6:35 PM
Post #24 of 48
(4042 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jan 1, 2002
Posts: 182
|
hi! i'm started when i have 23, but i think that the best is in the teens...
|
|
|
|
|
snowgage
Sep 13, 2002, 6:49 PM
Post #25 of 48
(4053 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 26, 2002
Posts: 17
|
I believe this to be a double sides question. Is being a good climber being able to crank out some seriously hard moves physically or being able make a wise descision when you have a string of hairy pieces below you. Depends on the type of climbing you like to do. For me its a combination of the two and I think I will be finding the balance somewhere around the age of 32. Now Iam only 21 so I have much time for the two. Just my opinion though
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
