Dave Dinnell wrote:They noted that Honnold makes about 12K a year---interesting. I would have thought more, but I guess if you free-solo everything, why would rope companies and climbing gear/pro companies want to sponsor you?
He does not free solo everything. He does a lot of different kinds of climbing. He does alpine climbs, he does roped trad climbs, does speed ascents (remember when him and Ueli Steck attempted to beat the record on the Nose?).
I am no expert on how his sponsorships work but as far as I know climbers get paid the most for being in different commercials. And also companies pay them for using their name as official sponsored athlete. Obviously all the equipment (1000s of $) is supplied to them for free. Also, any big trips out of States and in States are sponsored (paid for food, tickets, lodging etc). From watching the segment I remember they mention that he is able to live in his van for about 1K (12K a year) a month, but did not say anything about what he actually makes. I would think he is able to make a lot more for being in all the commercials.