glen Posted September 19, 2002 Share Posted September 19, 2002 So, we've all got the stories about horrible, scary, cheapskate, selfish, evil, death-causing, stinky, talk-your-ear-off-about-nothing, and generally horrid climbing partners. BUT! We all also know that most of our great climbing experiences have been that way because we've had great partners in addition to some nice rock to ascend. What is it that makes a good partner? Skills and experience are definitely plusses, but I've also headed out with relatively inexperienced partners who have been excellent partners despite being a bit green. To take it a step further, how do you spot a good partner? For that matter, how do you tell the bad ones from across the parking lot (other than the Tarzan yells and shiny, unused gear).? Ok, so I'm tired and need sleep, but I am curious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon Posted September 19, 2002 Share Posted September 19, 2002 For me a good partner is someone I can trust with my life without hesitation. They don't have to be a great climber because I stink, but I need to know when I'm 100 feet above them and can't see what their doing that they are making smart and safe decisions. If shit hits the fan in a serious way I need to know that they have the ability to rise to the occasion and not flip out. I suppose being able to handle tough situations comes with experience but there are people who can better handle incredibly stressful situations than others regardless of their experience level. I'd rather be stuck in a tough spot with an inexperienced climber but someone who can rationally handle the situation then someone who is experienced and just mentally self distructs, because in the latter case I'd be forced to make decisions for the both of us, and if it's me who is hurt then they are putting both of us at risk if they can't think rationally. Being with a partner who can handle the gravest of situations can mean life or death for someone, regardless of whether you are 2 days from the trailhead on an alpine route or at a roadside crag. As I learned this winter things can get really bad in a hurry even on a short easy 5.7 sport climb. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cpt.Caveman Posted September 19, 2002 Share Posted September 19, 2002 Bring the booze Bring the ganj Dont whine Never tell me I am off route Have fun Have good stories Dont fart up a storm in the tent Cookers are a plus Manage the ropes when I cannot Be aware of weather and surroundings Don't crampon or axe the damn ropes! Kill a snafflehound Evade the rangers by bringing all camo gear Bring enough food and water on the climb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juneriver Posted September 19, 2002 Share Posted September 19, 2002 I have a great partner and I know that he is going to keep it together even if things get a little hairy. We rarely need to communicate about what we are doing when climbing cause we just know what each other is doing. At one point, I was backing away from a climb because I was about 40 ft off the deck w/ groundfall potential... totally cake moves but my head wouldn't let go.. he encourages by saying he would "catch" me and break my fall. Later, I call BS saying him "catching" would just hurt us both... he looked really serious and said that there was no way he could watch a friend fall if he could spot it and maybe do some good. I don't know if I'd want that catch but I do know that he'd step into harm's way for a friend. Also, never complains. Period. Except when he is calling me a pussy. [ 09-19-2002, 07:37 AM: Message edited by: Juneriver ] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
forrest_m Posted September 19, 2002 Share Posted September 19, 2002 high tolerance for suffering combined with a short memory. Only half kidding, actually what I think makes a good partner is finding someone who is motivated to do the same things you are. If your goals aren’t in line, one of you will be frustrated and the other pissed off… a great partner is amped to do the same routes as you, over and over, regardless of how tired, scared, etc. you both got last time. Also, someone who can Deal With Shit while Keeping Their Shit Together (especially when Shit is Falling Apart). But the trick is figuring out who is going to be able to do this without actually suffering through an epic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dru Posted September 19, 2002 Share Posted September 19, 2002 Must be cool, and able to read my mind. Being cuddly for spooning at unplanned bivis is a bonus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sk Posted September 19, 2002 Share Posted September 19, 2002 A good climbing partner is someone who -you can trust, -shows up on time(or at least makes every reasonable effort) -is willing to help you or talk you out of a jam - will be understanding if you are having a suck shit day -likes to laugh and have fun -will buy beer at the end of the trip -waits for me 'cause I am SLOW!!!! -doesn't mind carring the rope -likes to lead -and will let me lead if I want to -doesn't get lost (ie can read a map' cause I am useless ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivan Posted September 19, 2002 Share Posted September 19, 2002 -immense vulgar vocabulary (ability to curse in 3 languages a plus) -modesty (geniune or affected, whichever...also, total disregard for all life including their own can serve as a substitute) -as generally agreed, provides ample supply of pre- and post- climb mind/mood altering distraction -being hot can't hurt, especially if their leading (ya, occurs to me i haven't had a good partner yet) -mother? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allthumbs Posted September 19, 2002 Share Posted September 19, 2002 -female -hooters -tight ass -long legs -athletic -small, oh I'm sorry, wrong thread. My bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dwayner Posted September 19, 2002 Share Posted September 19, 2002 Ideal good partner: 'nuff said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dwayner Posted September 19, 2002 Share Posted September 19, 2002 Partner from hell: 'nuff said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon Posted September 19, 2002 Share Posted September 19, 2002 quote: Originally posted by Dru: Being cuddly for spooning at unplanned bivis is a bonus. If her name is Britney Spears. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dru Posted September 19, 2002 Share Posted September 19, 2002 She is pretty scrawny, we might have to come up with some exercise to do to keep us warm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RopeGunHooker Posted September 19, 2002 Share Posted September 19, 2002 You can never have to many alpine partners. Nobody is perfect, but if they are reasonable fit, motivated, easy to get along with, have a sense of humor, and can swing leads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cpt.Caveman Posted September 19, 2002 Share Posted September 19, 2002 I agree that one can one can not have enough or too many alpine partners. More partners the more work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RURP Posted September 19, 2002 Share Posted September 19, 2002 This is RURP: That Rope-gun guys says: "You can never have to many alpine partners. Nobody is perfect, but if they are reasonable fit, motivated, easy to get along with, have a sense of humor, and can swing leads." Well, this fellow looks like he would fit the description, * reasonably fit (o.k., I am guessing) * motivated (looks eager for whatever) * easy to get along with (winning smile) * a sense of humor (he got clown hair) and he looks like could definitely "swing leads"! RURP has spoken. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thinker Posted September 20, 2002 Share Posted September 20, 2002 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E-rock Posted September 20, 2002 Share Posted September 20, 2002 Hey, where'd you find my picture!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E-rock Posted September 20, 2002 Share Posted September 20, 2002 I'm the queer guy, not the chick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thinker Posted September 20, 2002 Share Posted September 20, 2002 My favorite: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thinker Posted September 20, 2002 Share Posted September 20, 2002 working for 200 before I go home today: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILuvAliens Posted September 20, 2002 Share Posted September 20, 2002 Anyone without a girlfriend. ...and those who like adventure(ie.bushwacking, choss, long hikes for short routes) not just concerned with the Biggest Peaks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr_Flash_Amazing Posted September 20, 2002 Share Posted September 20, 2002 quote: Originally posted by Thinker: My favorite: She doing a dulfersitz rappel in those short-shorts? Yowch! ... Or is she gesturing at something with a stick with her right hand and pulling out a stubborn coil with her left? [ 09-19-2002, 05:38 PM: Message edited by: Dr Flash Amazing ] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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