The new gym in San Francisco

2008 January 24
by gavin

Here are some of the specs for the Planet Granite in San Francisco: “It is a 23,000 square foot building with up to 45 foot high climbing walls, world class bouldering, yoga, and fitness.”

If you want more info, you might find a job too, Planet Granite Climbing Gym Manager”

Kids Climbing Shoes on the NY Times

2007 December 13
by gavin

The New York Times has a pretty good slideshow featuring the latest climbing shoes for kids. It would be been a bit more interesting to compare those shoes vs other shoes parents have their kids try on. The only things that have a shorter lifespan than climbing shoes with worn rubber are climbing shoes for feet that have grown a few inches.

More on Ninja Warrior

2007 November 19
by gavin

Here’s the video clip that showcases the tough obstacles on ninja warrior. Cliff Hanger looks like a long campus board traverse, while jumping spider is a really scary way to start a chimney!

The salmon ladder should be at every climbing gym! Watch the clip.

The Shot

2007 November 19
by gavin

Climbers were showcased on the VHI reality show – The Shot – where photographers vie for the title. One challenge involves rock climbing at Malibu Creek. They were trying to take the best picture that captures the word “intensity.”

Not a lot of great shots, but it was funny watching the photographers struggle with being lowered. I wasn’t watching the show closely, so when they said they had to rappel , I expected them to rappel themselves down. But someone else lowered them. The climbers were top-roping some routes many times.

See the rock climbing clips

Climber on “Ninja Warrior” — reactions

2007 November 17
by gavin

This year’s Ninja Warrior. looks incredibly tough. There’s an event call the “Jumping Spider” where you run, jump on a little trampoline, and then land in between two walls with your arms and legs spread out so you stick in between (like a chimney climb.)

Another tough one is the salmon run. You hold onto a pole. It’s held up on the left and right side by arms. You need to pull yourself up so the pole skips up to the next set of arms. The last jump is a longer distance. Ouch! I’ll draw a little picture in a bit.

The climber guy did okay, but in general no one did very well in this installment of Ninja warrior.

You can see the climbing ninja soon

2007 November 17
by gavin

Here’s a quick article about the climber who won a trip to Japan to be on Ninja Warrior. 
We don’t know how well he did, but the shows are airing this month.  If you haven’t seen the show, there are a lot of chimney and pull-up moves! 

Fun ad of bears climbing

2007 November 13
by gavin

Sorry for the lack of posts! Here’s a cool photo from a store display in Turkey showing bears climbing.
Bears climbing

The Climber / Ninja

2007 August 18
by gavin

G4′s hosting the American Ninja challenge. The following climber from Michigan, Colin Bell, is a finalist. Look at his entry, he certainly has some good climbing skills. 3-finger pull-up!

See the climber / ninja.
Pain, this code doesn’t work.

Mental Health and Rock Climbing

2007 August 18
by gavin

This treatment might work for some. In the UK, 15 people with mental health conditions including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression, are trying to climb the 4,406ft Ben Nevis. Read more: Mountain climbing for mental health. All have reduced some usage of medication. Sounds like it might be a part of a treatment plan for some, but for others, who knows what other anxieties climbing might trigger. It certainly clears my head.

If you lived in Denver

2007 August 18
by gavin

Your local newspaper can be your topo. The Denver Post covers Haus Rock.