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multisport
May 27, 2003, 2:13 PM
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I'm sure that this was a topic before but just wondered when you can stop considering yourself to be a beginner. Do you think that it is based on how long you have been climbing, what grade routes you can do, or whether you have lead sport or trad?
Just wondering what everyone thinks 'cause I have a friend that has only been climbing for a few months and has already followed a 5.10a and lead a 5.7 (his first and only lead so far). He is very focused and has had the good luck, unlike so many of us, to have more experienced climbers taking him outdoors and "showing him the ropes". He and I know that he still has a long way to go on his technique, especially footwork, but he is already pretty good. He still calls himself a beginner, what do you think?
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corpse
May 27, 2003, 2:18 PM
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It's all in the perception of the climber.. If you climb every day for 5 yrs at a crag, but still can only do a 5.8, are you not a climber? If someone was blessed with supernatural ability and can do a 5.14 on day one, that doesn't make them a climber. Really, it's what you fell in your heart.
And yes, this has been discussed before - several pages I think too :)
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dontfall
May 27, 2003, 4:15 PM
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Go here: http://www.rockclimbing.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=30121
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greenpartyclimber
May 27, 2003, 5:51 PM
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there are a few different names that I have for new climbers, first shiners, the guys who go out and buy a ton of new gear right off and you can see the sun glint off their perfect biners etc. as they walk in, proudly wearing their harness with tons of unecssary gear. Then their gumbies, these guys talk about their numbers all the time, bragging incesently about their newest send, there are new climbers and old in this category as well finally theirs the hard man, this guy has been climbing for many years, he (or she) climbs hard, and doesn't show off or sand bag and their generally cool to be around. My friends and I haven't arrived at any more names yet.
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rockram
May 27, 2003, 6:02 PM
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eh...i'll always be able to consider myself a beginner :D ...cuz that's what it'll always feel like when i'm climbing with pros, like my bro. it's definately not a bad thing...it's just i realize that there will always be a whole lot more that i still haven't learn. same thing goes for more than just climbing too. in fact, i think it pretty much goes for everything...
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ladybug84105
May 27, 2003, 6:50 PM
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Hey there greenclimber? What do you call the ones like me who went to buy the necessary gear and really want to learn and progress, who is willing to try anything although may not be very good at it. Is there a name for that???
Bobbi
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scottcody
May 27, 2003, 6:54 PM
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In reply to: When are you no longer a "beginner"?
Any number of "experiences" can bring you to this conclusion.
Most shrug this feeling off as a bad taco from last night... I started bouldering :D
cheers
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watersprite
May 27, 2003, 7:23 PM
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three years? when you start leading? I plan to stay a beginner for as long as I climb... it's a zen thing - Beginner's Mindset... that way I can't get overconfident.
I don't care if I don't excel. I'm just in it for fun. I can't take a long fall, I'm too old and achey already!!
be safe, have fun, don't sweat the terms...
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airscape
May 27, 2003, 7:44 PM
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You know your not a beginner when you don't say "WOW thats high!" anymore 8)
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mhr2000
May 27, 2003, 9:37 PM
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I'm sure jt512 will let you know when you are no longer a beginner.
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multisport
May 27, 2003, 10:30 PM
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Thanx for the responses. Personally I, in the good company of Sharma and rockram, still consider myself a beginner. I believe climbing to be a process where there will always be more to explore and learn.
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bolthappy
May 27, 2003, 11:53 PM
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Never
There is always something to learn. Their is always someone that can kick your ars.
:D
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moabbeth
May 27, 2003, 11:57 PM
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I'm with bolthappy......as long as you still have something to learn. And we all have something to learn no matter how long we've been climbing.
Oh, and while this is a pat response, I think it's the most appropriate when someone asks this question (which lately seems to be like every other friggin day - WTF is up with that??):
you're no longer a beginner when you don't have to ask others if you're still a beginner.
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dingus
May 28, 2003, 12:02 AM
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In reply to: Hey there greenclimber? What do you call the ones like me who went to buy the necessary gear and really want to learn and progress, who is willing to try anything although may not be very good at it. Is there a name for that??? Bobbi
Literate?
DMT
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crag
May 28, 2003, 12:08 AM
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You're no longer a "beginner" when:
you can snatch that booty cam from the crack before your partner can.
you warm-up on the hardest boulder problem wearing your Birks while visiting a gym, killing time before your slide show.
chalk is no longer required
you stop worrying about fitness and diet in exchange for more climbing time - free the mind
you could care less on how to mark the middle of your rope.
you realize that crash pads are best for shagging.
there's no such thing as an off day
your desires far out way your abilities - always striving for more.
the smell of nylon, chalk & sweat are preferred.
etc
etc.
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climber49er
May 28, 2003, 1:31 AM
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You suck and your friend sucks!
You are a beginner and will always be a beginner as long as you ask stupid, lame-o questions like this! :twisted:
Its about climbing for fun! Quit trying to measure yourself against others!
Who cares what progress you make or not if your having fun!
You will always be a beginner you lame noob! There is always something that is going to send you to the bottom of the pile!
Lame question!
At least that's what I was told when I asked the question... :lol:
Your friend is just talented, still a beginner. Experience counts. Alot.
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calamity_chk
May 28, 2003, 2:45 AM
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i stopped feeling like a beginner when i summitted the kingfisher -- a breath-taking view that i will remember for the rest of my life. it renewed my passion for climbing, helped me rearrange my priorities in life, and where i met my match and my love.
here's the ascent .. http://www.rockclimbing.com/ascent/index.php?AscentID=9881
ps, in the grand scheme of things, i'm still a total gumbie. i'm just not worried about progress and grades as much anymore. now i'm more concerned with the experience of it.
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rendog
May 31, 2003, 8:21 PM
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1 if you own more than 2 pairs of shoes
2 when you no longer need to ask " am I still a beginner"
3 if you feel confident if your ability and you feel safe being on the rock
among a whold host of others as well but most of them have already been mentioned here
"D"
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weaselman
May 31, 2003, 8:40 PM
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In reply to: there are a few different names that I have for new climbers, first shiners, the guys who go out and buy a ton of new gear right off and you can see the sun glint off their perfect biners etc. as they walk in, proudly wearing their harness with tons of unecssary gear. Then their gumbies, these guys talk about their numbers all the time, bragging incesently about their newest send, there are new climbers and old in this category as well finally theirs the hard man, this guy has been climbing for many years, he (or she) climbs hard, and doesn't show off or sand bag and their generally cool to be around. My friends and I haven't arrived at any more names yet.
what about a beginner who meets all the hardman requirements but hasn'g been climbing for many years? there are TONS of beginning climbers that are cool to be around, don't show off, and don't sandbag (as they don't even care about ratings)
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ptone
May 31, 2003, 9:45 PM
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A 'beginner' to my friends or the world at large?
I agree with scottcody above, when with experience I stop being a menace to myself and any who climb with me...
A 'beginner' to myself?
I agree with watersprite, if I lose beginners mind, I lose touch with my place in the world.
climbfree
-p
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pt
Jun 1, 2003, 4:04 AM
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After a few honest to god epics you'll realize it doesn't matter if your a beginner or not. Luck plays a big role. Maybe your not a beginner anymore when you realize what a silly question that is?
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deleted
Deleted
Jun 12, 2003, 9:34 PM
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when you are a ninety-year-old on your deathbed.
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thrillseeker05
Jun 12, 2003, 9:37 PM
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You are no longer a beginner the first time you are on lead ¾ of the way up and you literally Shiite your pants….
Aaahh graduation
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