UKC

Go...

Some are, I'm not!!

Based on some of my more memorable outings, only in the same way that a wildebeest with a hangover is.

T.

No, but some are gymnastic (just like some are athletic).

Yes and no

Ah - but what about those that climb at a Rock Gym [ducks], Robert? Plus ones called John Gill, and - I believe - Rob Gawthorpe?

How would you characterise yourself Robert? 

In my experience the average gymnast is a lot stronger than the average climber

The elite in either discipline are probably much of a muchness but there are a lot more bumbly climbers than there are bumbly gymnasts.

Well they don’t train in the nude as per the origin of the word gymnos nor do they perform for aesthetic reasons like a current gymnast.

In conclusion they must either be horses or jockeys depending on who is whipping whom for personal gain.

[Throws rocks]

It is of course possible to be a gymnast as well as a climber. 

A climber to the core.

Don't I?

[Missed!]

Indeed - and I suspect that very few of the people who occupy both catagories are also rubbish at the climbing bit.

[I should perhaps also clarify, lest there be any doubt, that my term 'ducks' was used earlier as descriptive of an avoidance tactic - wrt incoming rocks - rather than as a term of endearment!]

Apparently ballet has more of a crossover in terms of skills. I suspect Robert Durran would look good in a leotard and tutu.

Of all the students I taught, the one who most quickly progressed was a woman who had been a ballet dancer until her late teens. At the same time I had someone from the uni rugby squad who was pretty hopeless but it was fun watching him get so uptight at a 'wee girly' being so much better than him at something.

youtube.com/watch?v=YbJW9DiMOJs&

when thrutching are we audio porn actors?

Why do you think that is then? I guess balance, standing on points. I bet the ballet dancers would have good strong legs for dynos but would be surprised if they were not lacking a bit in the arms.

I suppose speed is the closest thing because it is standardised and infinitely repeatable. Other climbing forms have the onsight element though which I guess gymnastics lacks. Maybe we're applied vertical gymnasts then.

I did a font trip years ago with a gymnast with limited climbing experience and he had no trouble at all keeping up with the rest of us due to his insane shoulder and core strength and his flexibility. I guess he had also trained that key "tried hard" mentality too.

edit- just added that last sentence

Arm strength is much easier to gain than balance, precision, proprioception, and control. Climbing is more about technique than strength really, which means a good dancer should have a really solid starting point. Not to mention the fact that dancers will also often be in very good shape with a lot of core and general strength. 

Yeah, all good points. Through outdoor centre work I've taught a lot of taster sessions and I certainly noticed the dancers do tend take to it very easily.

I used to ask in the intro if any were climbers, dancers or gymnasts. I think when they realised that they had such a transferable skill if also gave them a big confidence boost. I think the outside perception of climbing is that its all about strong arms but you're right.

Absolutely they are... have you seen this excellent and accurate, almost documentary film about every day climbing. "Gripped: Climbing the Killer pillar" 2020

You can watch the trailer here https://amzn.to/3nO9qO2

You must have found yourself talking to your climbing partner "It's the real deal not just a couple of pitches, it's a commitment, a grade 5!" while gazing up the West face of Tryan Bach or mid route informed your partner "the next move's the pendulum, bitch" or furrowing your eyebrows dramatically saying "the only way down... is up"

Watch this showcase of their craft, then come back here an tell us  that they aren't gymnasts. I DARE you!

Just watched it, thanks for the recommendation.

https://solarmovies.ms/watch-movie/watch-gripped-climbing-the-killer-pillar...

Whilst I can't quite relate the film to this topic, I did enjoy it. Certainly a good advert for helmets and for both party members knowing their rescue skills before embarking on a committing multipitch!

Like you say, fairly accurate as climbing films go, with the usual bits of impossible ropework to amuse us climbers. I'm sure I wasn't the only one wincing with some of the dodgy stuff they did  

A master piece! 

Must've cost a whole £40 to film that.