KIM AND I have been obsessively watching The Climb on HBO, a reality series presented by pro climbers Chris Sharma and Meagan Martin, and amateur climber and actor Jason Momoa.
The 8-episode show features amateur climbers from around the world competing for a $100,000 cash prize and a year-long sponsorship by prAna.
I love the physicality of rock climbing, the precision and tenacity required. Making intricate moves, literally hanging by toes and fingertips. Defying gravity, gripping the wall, gracefully reaching for the chalk—the choreography of it all, like modern dance.
Watching the body in action is beautiful, but more than this, witnessing people pushing the limits of what they believe is possible is wholly inspiring.
Rock climbing is more than physical fitness. It requires verve, presentness, mental stamina, and trust.
Almost ten years ago, I sampled it for the first time at Chimney Rock State Park.
I was harnessed in, belayed by a guide, and the rock had ample holds. Yet it was, by far, the most frightened I’d ever been. I wrote about it then: