You must log in or # to comment.
I have two takes on this.
When I was an avid climber, the consensus was, “Those who free solo, die by free solo.” So I think this isn’t an unpopular opinion, given non-climbers got to think it’s stupid. I think it’s just we love to spectate on that risky adventure.
Personally I have never and won’t in the future ever climb free solo but I joined people do it and my heart was racing like crazy. Imagine wittnessing a death. In my personal opinion it’s stupid. People do it because they think it makes them special. Having some type of safety measures wouldn’t effect the sport.
Does he still do free solos? If yes, he has children and a wife. That is the point where I have no respect for him or any other person. If you only got yourself and no family - fine. Do whatever. But if you have a family and people down there that love you - why should you continue to do that? You don’t need to feel more alive. You already proved the world you can and it’s okay. Instead he still goes up there without safety eventhough safety measures exist - for a reason.
If someone can climb what this dude can climb I wouldn’t have less respect for what he achieved just because he has a rope attached to him. I personally couldn’t care less. He can climb with a rope and if he falls start again until he finishes the climb without a drop and call it a day. Maybe his family members could then go in a Sauna during his climb instead of living in anxiety during his climb.
But well, I understand it. You feel alive blablabla. It’s like playing hardcore in action role play games but well, those are just games and if you die fine start again. This brings me to my next critic: if you fall, someone is going to have to clean you up. Thats not fair. I’m glad no one I love solo free climbs or does any other extreme sport and if I knew someone who does it on a regular basis that I love I would try to love this person less so the loss in case an accident happens won’t hurt as much.
Anyways great climber. In my eyes it’s still pathetic because he doesn’t need to prove he can do those climbs without a rope…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cyya23MPoAI
This video above is with Alex and Magnus and well what should I say… crazy.
Wow, knowing that dude has kids at home changes the whole equation. I guess I just assumed the kinds of people that took those risks were the kinds of people that wouldn’t let themselves have attachments or dependents because of the risks. I guess that just shows I understand people that take those risks even less than I thought I did.
It’s an addiction. It’s like assuming a crack addict will avoid attachment. He wouldn’t get the same high with a rope, so he decided that his family has to deal with him getting his fix instead.
I love reading judgy comments from people sitting on their ass watching a stranger do something incredible.
Yeah there’s quite a few commenters in here who obviously know nothing about this guy. For one, he’s not an adrenaline junkie. People ought to watch a documentary or some interviews with the guy before they start slinging labels at him.
Everyone has different risk tolerance. Judging and denigrating others because theirs is higher (or lower) is a bit silly when it doesn’t impact anyone else. (Pedants - this does not apply to things that could harm others, put your keyboards down)
I commuted in city traffic and rode around in the mountains on motorcycles for almost 20 years, I scuba dive regularly, I’ve rappelled down mountains and out of helicopters. I ski a lot, and I like going fast down the mountain. Sometimes I get hurt doing these things, that’s part of life. Some people I know think I’m nuts, but to me none of this stuff is particularly dangerous. I’m sure Alex feels the same way about his hobby. He’s literally one of the best climbers in the world so I wouldn’t presume to question his judgement. Rest assured he’s not YOLO’ing anything, he prepares intensely for his climbs.
And then the people in here saying he should stop doing the thing he’s loved doing for decades because he has kids now just make me shake my head. Since when did people have to get put in bubble wrap once they procreated? That dude has more than provided for his kids.
New list of activities in which you can no longer participate if you have crotch fruit:
- Mountain climbing. You can see all that stuff on National Geographic anyway.
- Any type of scuba diving, especially cave diving! Actually just stay out of the ocean, it’s dangerous!
- Flying helicopters. Just no.
- Any Army, Navy, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps service. Air Force is still ok.
- Riding in any motor vehicle without a flame retardant racing suit and full face helmet. Try to keep trips short and never ride in a motor vehicle within 10 miles of your home because that’s where most accidents happen.
- Going hiking when it’s going to be a bit hot out. Or a bit cold out. In fact just stay out of the woods, it’s dangerous!
- See how ridiculous this is? Live your life. You’ll regret the things you didn’t do.
