Climbing Barefoot

Post general questions and discuss issues related to climbing.
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SpiderSavage

 
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Climbing Barefoot

by SpiderSavage » Fri Nov 13, 2009 9:17 pm

A brief fad in the late '70s, barefoot rock climbing, has always intrigued me. Chalk up the hands and feet and go. People in parts of the world where they can't afford shoes have no choice.

I once lead the Arete, 5.6, at Pt Dume (http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/499319/point-dume.html). That wall is often so greasy that sticky shoes don't matter much. It was an interesting experience. I'd say I'd have to really condition my feet before doing that much more.

What have you done?

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dan2see

 
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by dan2see » Fri Nov 13, 2009 10:31 pm

Some rock is great barefoot. The surface of limestone tends to be abrasive, but your hands contact the rock too, so you know if it's OK for your skin.

You gotta be practical. I find that limestone has too many angles, and usually the pain factor outweighs the benefit of sensitivity.

I don't know what it's like to climb on granite or sandstone.

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MoapaPk

 
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by MoapaPk » Sat Nov 14, 2009 1:03 am


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Rob

 
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by Rob » Wed Nov 18, 2009 3:19 pm

Moni's picture of her dad climbing barefoot, never ceases to amaze me... :shock:

http://www.summitpost.org/image/34433/A ... hold-.html

Image

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zachary_dc

 
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Not Quite

by zachary_dc » Wed Nov 18, 2009 4:13 pm


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Guyzo

 
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by Guyzo » Wed Nov 18, 2009 4:19 pm

Rob wrote:Moni's picture of her dad climbing barefoot, never ceases to amaze me... :shock:

http://www.summitpost.org/image/34433/A ... hold-.html

Image


Love the tie in...

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Mark Straub

 
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by Mark Straub » Thu Nov 19, 2009 6:22 am

I tried it once. It hurt.

And wow, that picture is old, cool, and looks very dangerous! Even though that rope looks 14mm or something ridiculous, it still looks like it could snap under load!

-Mark

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kheegster

 
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Re: Not Quite

by kheegster » Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:10 am

zachary_dc wrote:FIVE FINGERS!

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com


I know a guy who wears one of these. It just looks obscene somehow.

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Moni

 
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by Moni » Thu Nov 19, 2009 2:08 pm

Mark Straub wrote:I tried it once. It hurt.

And wow, that picture is old, cool, and looks very dangerous! Even though that rope looks 14mm or something ridiculous, it still looks like it could snap under load!

-Mark


Between the hemp and the old style of tie in, falling just really wasn't an option IMHO. However, my Dad's technique was nearly flawless as a result. Wish I could say the same for me.

I love going barefoot but haven't tough enough feet to complete more than one pitch. Those 5 finger shoes look intriguing but I am not sure that I could stand having stuff between my toes... And they are not cheap!

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CClaude

 
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by CClaude » Thu Nov 19, 2009 3:00 pm

Guyzo wrote:
Rob wrote:Moni's picture of her dad climbing barefoot, never ceases to amaze me... :shock:

http://www.summitpost.org/image/34433/A ... hold-.html

Image


Love the tie in...


The guy was ripped man....


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