It’s Better Wetter almost fools you into thinking there was underwater rock climbing. It really just describes a series of exercises people do underwater. But climbing up out of the pool or trying to boulder off of sea cliffs does remind you that there are moments of extra resistance in the water.

Of course, you could use hypergravity to build more resistance.

Climber teaches craft tells us that while Sherpas may be the strongest climbers on Everest, they were using climbing techniques like “the Yak bunch knot” that weren’t very safe. Conrad Anker started the Khumbu Climbing School three years ago to help increase the technical skills of the Sherpas.

The New York Times (reg required) outdoor section has an article about the different climbing tribes and subtribes. In it, “A Primer to the Climbs and Falls of Men” tries to be humorous. Most of tidbits are pretty (stereo)typical, but I guess you’ll find something new. Sport climbers smoke?

I think the sources of these articles are more interesting than hearing about these people who climb. Guiness, the Phillipines, who else wants to mention rock climbing?

Fascinating Facts and Figures from Guinness (get ready for St. Patrick’s day!) tells us that one of the “That 70’s show” stars climbs. I think we saw him at Red Rocks once. Or maybe it was some other young star…

Matthew McConaughey plays an adventous guy in “Failure to Launch.” Most of the clippings say his character rock climbs, like this piece
Matthew McConaughey, Sarah Jessica Parker play familiar characters in Failure to Launch. Thrilling, huh? McConaughey sure is an interesting interview though, check out this recap from: The John Stewart Resource

So to make up for all of these male stars who climb, here’s some other eye-candy.
Evangeline Lilly from Lost says she enjoys rock climbing in “The Philippines in Lost star’s past”. She’s also one of the Top Ten Buff Babes

I think I’d watch Lost to see if she uses any of those talents instead of sitting through Failure to Launch in the theatre.

The President of South Korea climbs! Climbing With Roh shows a photo of him holding a press conference after climbing (hiking?). Read this profile of Roh to learn more about his impeachment, where he spent a lot of time reading and hiking. I wouldn’t mind seeing photos of Bush hiking if…

(I have some celebrity climbing bits coming, they just weren’t as exciting.)

This is a nice change of pace, a story about climbing in a place that isn’t a year-round great weather vacation destination (more climbing in Malta if you’re interested). Mountain climbing in the raw; when biggest is best describes Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British isles. It doesn’t sound like the most accessible place — they debate even marking the way with poles. But there are guide books and guides for the place if you ever want to visit.

Wikipedia has some great facts about it too. 355 days a year cloud-covered!