You think ypu are but you are probably not familiar with the sport and the gear. In terms of risk assessment IMO the riskiest part in lthis pic is they are not wearing a helmet!

Rock climbing really has little to do with adrenaline chasing and rock climbers are among the chilliest folks out there. Really all the people in this thread comparing it to base jumping or other crazy things should visit their local climbing gym and have an introductory session, give it a try its awesome.

These folks resting (presumably preparing to overnight?) On a ledge is not something you'd do as a beginner.

[–] [email protected] 13 points 11 months ago

Yeah the last thing you want when climbing is an adrenaline rush. It’s slow, methodical concentration, plus flexibility, conditioning and endurance that make a good climber.

I’m tall and lanky, and had a decent amount of natural talent, but was never flexible enough to get past intermediate climbs. Now I have too much arthritis to get back into it.

[–] [email protected] -4 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (1 children)

You think ypu are but you are probably not familiar with the sport and the gear.

Well no, I'm not on any technical level. But when you're doing something like this, you plan your route, right? Stopping here for the night seems like poor planning to me.

It's not the gear or the sport that I'm critical of, it's the decision making that put them sleeping on this ledge. With all the right gear and experience, it seems like they could've done... anything else.

[–] qqq 14 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (2 children)

I hate getting into these discussions.

This is Arnaud Petit and Stéphanie Bodet, two professional climbers with far more experience than you. They are doing the second ascent of a 900 meter 8a on Angel Falls (Rainbow Jambaia, 31 pitches) which is about the same height as El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Here is a story about it. You almost never plan to climb routes this long in a single day, especially not on the second ascent. They most definitely planned to sleep on the wall and brought the proper equipment. This is called big wall climbing

Just be happy for people doing what they love and do what you love: your life will be better. We're all motivated by different things.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 11 months ago

Incredible story from incredible athletes. It's a feat to do that and, would you look at that, it doesn't diminish anyone else's goals or aspirations either.

[–] [email protected] -1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

I hate getting into these discussions

gets into the discussion

with far more experience than you.

Yup, pretty sure I said that already... in the post you replied to... not sure why you're throwing it out like you think it detracts from what I said.

You almost never plan to climb routes this long in a single day

That makes sense, I'm sure it's too far to go without a decent rest. But if there's no safer option for a place to sleep, then why go this route at all?

They most definitely planned to sleep on the wall

Yes, that's my point. They planned to do this on purpose. I'm critical of the decision making.

This is called big wall climbing

OK, great, there's a term for it... that hardly makes it a safe or sane thing to do.

[–] SkippingRelax 4 points 11 months ago

That's fine you can always play golf. Practice your risk assessment skills and superior planning abilities there no need to criticise.

One last time, this IS safe. I won't comment on the sanity part as you made it clear this is not your cup of tea, not sure why no one else should be allowed to get out of YOUR comfort zone though.