Listen to the Stories of 8 Climbers, From the Late Upside-Down Soloist to the Trad Princess
For profiles, long reads, and more narratives we bring to life on Climbing, some of us would rather listen than read. Especially if you want to take in the story while you’re driving to the crag, working your finger strength on the hangboard, or following a longer approach trail to your project.
Spare your eyes some screen time and next time you need a good listen, dive into this playlist of profiles. All of these stories illuminate a climber and offer a listen option for Outside+ members.
Below the playlist, you can find a bit more about each featured story. Want to listen to a different story? Just look for the “Listen” button below the headline. Note that some stories (e.g., lists or gear guides) don’t have a listen option.
Listen to the climber profiles playlist
[tts_playlist project_id=53464 playlist_id=156206]
Kitty Calhoun Expected to Die at 30. She Advanced Alpinism Instead.
(17-minute listen)
Calhoun was destined to be a Southern belle by her lineage, which dates back to 1700 in South Carolina. Instead, she became one of the greatest alpinists of her generation.
Dale Bard: The “Heavyweight Champion of the Dirtbagging World”
(27-minute listen)
Bard, who passed away last October, lived for an entire Yosemite season on 15 borrowed dollars. He was also one of the best climbers out there—and the ultimate dirtbag.
How the Trad Princess Became the Crack Queen
(11-minute listen)
How a self-professed “5.11 climber” became one of the best offwidth wranglers in the world.
Balin Miller Led a Generation of Alpinists in His Brief, Brilliant Life
(8-minute listen)
After Miller’s untimely death in Yosemite last fall, Ethan Berkeland remembers his climbing partner and reflects on his legacy.
The French Spiderman Reflects on Free Soloing, Death, and Quantum Physics
(15-minute listen)
How does Alain Robert reconcile his limestone heyday with his “crazy guy” reputation? The French free soloist gets real on his past, his views on death, and how he keeps climbing.
How a Climbing Accident Expert Processes Tragedy—And His Own Past Scares
(9-minute listen)
A Gunks guide spends the day climbing with Pete Takeda, who edits the annual Accidents in North American Climbing book. He reveals how the heavy task impacts his own psyche.
How a Cave-Jumping Daredevil Transformed Puerto Rico’s Climbing Scene
(11-minute listen)
Rossano Boscarino, the local legend who jumpstarted recreational climbing on this archipelago, has an unusual origin story.
The “Upside Down Free Soloist” Died a Week After Tackling His Greatest Goal
(6-minute listen)
A window into the unusual style of an eccentric climber based in Washington who passed away last March.
The post Listen to the Stories of 8 Climbers, From the Late Upside-Down Soloist to the Trad Princess appeared first on Climbing.