advice..

[avenfoto 0]

this is from the rockclimbing forums, but i belive it can apply to base....
the underlines and parenthesses are mine

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When I look back on my first days climbing(jumping) I realize that I was concerned in all of the wrong things. I was asking questions about techniques, gear, different kinds of climbing, was 5.7 good, and yes, shoes. (no..not shoes....)

While I was asking these questions I didn't realize that I was missing what was really important about our sport. (base)Climbing is not about shoes, ratings, gear, and hype. What makes it the most incredible sport in the world is our community, our ethics, and our spirit.

I wish that I had been given answers to the questions I wasn't asking. And in my reflections here's just a few of the things I wish I would have been told 5 years ago.


Take a road trip as soon as possible to a climbing destination.( bridge day..) Camp at the campsite the most crowded with climbers,(holiday inn) sit around the campfire,(keg) and listen.

Find the old guys in your area(in the sport), and listen to everything they have to say. Ignore the young guys with too much to say.

Get experience in all possible facets(objects) of climbing.(jumping) Go trad climbing, sport climbing, top roping, and bouldering. (b,a,s,+e)Learn about aid climbing.(first response_rescue)) Get on a multipitch climb as soon as you can safely. The real adventure begins more than one ropelength off the ground.

Climb(jump) with as many different partners as you can. You will learn what to do, and what not to do in half the time. You will learn what you respect in a climber,(jumper) and what you hate as well. Emulate the good, and don't let yourself become that asshole that we all see occasionally.

It is no coincidence that the Best climbers in the world, do the least talking about their accomplishments. Nor is a coincidence that some of the worst talk even if no one is listening.

Become involved in the community. Join your local climbers group. Donate money if you like, but it is far better to participate. Seeing the fruits of your labor, and knowing you have helped make some of the best climbing memories. Don't complain unless you have an alternative. Don't ask for anything until you have contributed.

Karma is real. No matter what anyone says.

Learn all you can about the history and ethics of your area. You should be on a first name basis with some of the old guys who developed the crags. (opened the objects)They will be around the campfire. Respect them and their wishes as your own. They were in your shoes at one time, and they can probably still outclimb you.

Don't buy a Drill or a Bolt for at least 5 years, and even then you had better be on a first name basis with all of the old guys around the campfire. Don't be that asshole that we all see occasionally. If you want a first ascent before 5 years, make a trad ascent, it will mean more to you later. Trust me.

Never belittle someone for climbing (flying)in the fashion they love.

Find your own personal ethics early, and stand behind them. Always strive for a higher ethical standard, never let yourself be pulled down. Don't hesitate to argue your ethics around that campfire.(keg/bar/joint)

Do everything you can to help other climbers. They are your family while you pursue this sport, and this family can seem suprisingly small at times. Karma is real.

Don't trespass.(and get caught) If the area is worth climbing, rest assured that a climber somewhere is working his ass off trying to get it reopened.(thank you jason bell) By jumping that fence you are damning our cause. (maybe...)Always be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

Enjoy every second of being outdoors doing something you love. You may very well be having the best time of your life. Give as much as you receive.

And don't be that asshole...

respect the earth...fuck the man...fly free.

[avenfoto 0]

maybe we can sticky this for a bit...

[nicknitro71 0]

As an ex-hard-core climber I agree 100%.

However the BASE community is much more fucked up and dysfunctional than the climbing one hence it appeals more to me

Memento Audere Semper

903

[wwarped 0]

amen.

learn from the experience of others, build a solid knowledge base, then feel free to explore.

adventure will find you, there is no need to go looking for it!

(great advice is obvious. it is what you wish you had known...)

DON'T PANIC
The lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.
sloppy habits -> sloppy jumps -> injury or worse

[skyflyingbecca 0]

DAMN, as a new BASE jumper, just starting out, this was a great read. I really hope it stays 'sticky-ed' for a while.

These are great messages to be reminded for those of us who might've heard the words before, but maybe not understood the message.

Every so often, after say, a year of so filled with experiences, the same words can carry an entirely different message, and you can continue to draw from the same words, if you are open to it.

Thanks for the (modified) contribution Aven, and thanks for the sticky Tom.

[mfnren 2]

" and listen to everything they have to say. Ignore the young guys with too much to say"

I like ths the best. I'm sure most of us have realized we are the little punk tlking to much with nothing to say.I know I have.. Listen more,Analize more,tlk less.

[blitzkrieg 0]

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Listen more,Analize more,tlk less

and see if you can be the first to hit 1000 posts filled entirely with smilies.

ok, seriously... great post.

live it, learn it, love it... or leave it.