The COST of being a climber.

(click to enLARGE)
I estimate that I spend somwhere in the range of 280 US Dollars each year on climbing equipment (i.e. new rope, gear, shoes/resoles) plus maybe $500.00 each year on climbing trips. Total, less than a grand- that's it (right now anyways!). For something that cost less than 10% of most people's annual salary (e.g. tithing @ Church), climbing's role and value in our lives I'd estimate to be of MUCH higher percentage than that. Looking at it that way the price is not bad!

I find the demanding cost(s) of climbing isn't money, but the sacrifices we make...
for the trips to happen,
for the lifestyle to be LIVED,
for our body's fitness to be sustained at a level up to our potential,
for our relationships with one another to thrive,
for waiting out crappy weather!

The COST?... money is measureable- that isn't it. The cost of being a climber is our more personal sacrifices made to make experiences happen.
Let's face it...
memories, dream destinations, and climbing projects
...priceless.

NM

Good session today (5.2.09)

Lead climbed some steep stuff w/ Kawai (including a .12a onsight); bouldered for the rest of the time with a great crew, including Sasha Digulian ...she's a sponsored young climbing talent who first broke onto the climbing scene sending a v10 @ 13 y/o, and more recently 5.13c @ 16 y/o)

The video footage is of a burly v6 that I couldn't figure out 'til I figured out the knee bar (sans knee pad...haha).

NM