rob Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 Emboldened by success and confidence, I've been pushing myself. But, how can I tell the difference between confident boldness and recklessness? How can I tell the difference between reasonable caution and fear? Any tips? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenderfour Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 (edited) Bold = taking a risk with real consequence knowing you can make it. Things are within your abilities Recklessness = taking a risk with real consequence not being sure that you can make it. A safe lead fall on good gear is not a real consequence. That is life. A real consequence would be a groundfall, or bouncing off a ledge. I heard it here once: If you aren't falling, you aren't climbing hard enough. Edited June 14, 2007 by fenderfour Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rad Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 Everyone must find their own way, their own balance between reckless and bold, go-for-it and back-down. There is no right answer. This applies not just to climbing, but to everything. The last half of Ripple, a Robert Hunter/Gerry Garcia song copied below, comes to mind: ....................... If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung, Would you hear my voice come thru the music, Would you hold it near as it were your own? It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken, Perhaps they're better left unsung. I don't know, don't really care Let there be songs to fill the air. Ripple in still water, When there is no pebble tossed, Nor wind to blow. Reach out your hand if your cup be empty, If your cup is full may it be again, Let it be known there is a fountain, That was not made by the hands of men. There is a road, no simple highway, Between the dawn and the dark of night, And if you go no one may follow, That path is for your steps alone. Ripple in still water, When there is no pebble tossed, Nor wind to blow. You who choose to lead must follow But if you fall you fall alone, If you should stand then who's to guide you? If I knew the way I would take you home. ................. + Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayne Posted June 15, 2007 Share Posted June 15, 2007 Very few climbers in America REALLY push themselves, We have it so good and yet so many responsibilities here it is hard to justify the risk. I simply rely on experience and have gradually pushed my self over the years, but I can say I have pushed myself.I wish more climbers here would. Just not on my projects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivan Posted June 15, 2007 Share Posted June 15, 2007 bold (for me) = free soloing young warriors reckless = free soloing free for some bold = free soloing complete n ridge of stuart reckless = free soloing girth pillar (w/o windshirt or nuetrinoes) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texplorer Posted June 16, 2007 Share Posted June 16, 2007 bold = soloing Rainier in winter Reckless = smoking out in the muir hut Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
archenemy Posted June 16, 2007 Share Posted June 16, 2007 Emboldened by success and confidence, I've been pushing myself. But, how can I tell the difference between confident boldness and recklessness? How can I tell the difference between reasonable caution and fear? Any tips? 1. clarify what we are talking about: Are you asking for the ability to discern the difference between emotions you are feeling while climbing? 2. ask why What do you plan to get out of knowing these differences? Will they help you communicate with other climbers better? Or will they help you feel like you have more control over these emotions? What do you want to get out of this discussion? 3.Define general terms: bold = not hesitating in the face of danger or percieved danger reckless = to be unconcerned about the consequences of some action fear = a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; caution = alertness and prudence in a hazardous situation; care; wariness confidence = full trust; belief in the powers, trustworthiness, or reliability of a person or thing reasonable = agreeable to reason or sound judgment; logical 4 define your specific terms that you wish to compare: confident boldness = having full trust in yourself, your partner, your gear, whatever that allows you to move without hestiation even when faced with scary stuff. reckless = to be unconcerned about the consequences of some action resonable caution = logical alertness to perceived or actual danger fear = an emotional reaction to stuff that scares you. 5. try out one answer to your question. Q1: how can I tell the difference between confident boldness and recklessness? A1: confident boldness requires trust; recklessness requires that you be removed from the outcome or the consequences of your actions. So do you feel like you trust yourself, your partners, and your gear and can therefore accomplish more than you would freesoloing? Or do you feel like those people don't matter to you nor does your own safty or climbing outcome matter, then you can be considered reckless. Q2 How can I tell the difference between reasonable caution and fear? A2 when you are assessing a move, do you find yourself using a logical alertness to assess your situation? Or do you feel like the pit in the bottom of your stomach is not going to let you move any further? In both cases it sounds like you shift between your head and your heart. Your head tells you that you are safe and can make this just fine. But your heart gets all a twitter and wants to go home to mama. Ain't climbing fun? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G-spotter Posted June 16, 2007 Share Posted June 16, 2007 just read "rock warriors way" and drop acid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pope Posted June 17, 2007 Share Posted June 17, 2007 Bold = hard move, bad gear, angry weather, climb through. Reckless = hard move, bad gear, angry weather, break leg or worse. Bold = exploits in mountaineering periodical. Reckless = rescue in newspaper. Hindsight is 20/20. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pope Posted June 17, 2007 Share Posted June 17, 2007 How can I tell the difference between reasonable caution and fear? Any tips? If you're belayed by anybody who owns a Gri-Gri, climbs ice "leashless" or calls "Take!" when they wish for tension, you are not reasonably cautious. If you climb with anybody who DOES own a hemp chalk bag but DOES NOT own a 5-inch cam, you are not reasonably cautious. If you climb with anybody who dials 911 from the top of Glacier Peak instead of dialing Big Lou, you are not reasonably cautious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob Posted June 17, 2007 Author Share Posted June 17, 2007 Why do I need to dial Big Lou? I thought he had a batman-like signal that SAR could shine against the clouds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
montypiton Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 I use a fairly simple criterion to sort out this dilemma - If I'm taking falls and not getting injured, I'm pushing myself. If I'm getting hurt on a regular basis, I have become reckless. Yeah - its hindsight - but "good judgment comes from experience...which comes from bad judgment" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.