(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
3 comments:
that's the spirit mate. looking forward to seeing you boys in the autumn!
Oh man, I don't even want try to count how much money I've spent on climbing, including cost of travel etc. I'm sure it'd probably be more than 50% of my total earnings. But you've got to spend your money on something, and I think I get a lot more enjoyment out of climbing than buying an expensive car, nice clothes etc.
I agree that there are a lot of immeasurable costs, for instance the career path you chose, friendships you foster and don't becasue of climbing. But the enjoyment I get back from climbing is like you said priceless.
nice post
...simple is the new cool, young fool...
Without those experiences we wouldn't be the interesting, funny, passionate, and creative people we are today. We don't sacrifice relationships with others, we build new ones. I wouldn't know any of you if I had never stepped foot in a climbing gym. So who would I know? Who would I be? Not important. A return to balance is always needed in life, climbing as an obsession, climbing as a choice. Let's enjoy ourselves. Make at least 4 people laugh today. PEACE.
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