Comments on: A Dangerous Life is What’s Needed http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/ Sun, 24 Jan 2010 21:35:36 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: vertical http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/comment-page-1/#comment-966 vertical Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:00:24 +0000 http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/#comment-966 Why do thousands of people watch golf on TV? It isn't exciting in the least. I believe those who watch have some level of understanding about the sport. Perhaps to catch the viewer’s attention we need a bit of an education campaign to go along with televised competitions. How do we show what the holds are really like, how it feels to really hang that high with nothing to hold? If they begin to understand the sport more they might be willing to watch it. And don't tell me the sport couldn't attract big sponsors and big money. How much do golfers get when they win, how much do commercial spots go for in major televised tournaments? Why do thousands of people watch golf on TV? It isn’t exciting in the least. I believe those who watch have some level of understanding about the sport. Perhaps to catch the viewer’s attention we need a bit of an education campaign to go along with televised competitions. How do we show what the holds are really like, how it feels to really hang that high with nothing to hold? If they begin to understand the sport more they might be willing to watch it. And don’t tell me the sport couldn’t attract big sponsors and big money. How much do golfers get when they win, how much do commercial spots go for in major televised tournaments?

]]> By: vegasclimbin http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/comment-page-1/#comment-680 vegasclimbin Sat, 23 Feb 2008 05:35:44 +0000 http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/#comment-680 I think one way to get more support for climbing is through kids. Who is actively marketing the climbing scene to children? Take baseball for example, think about how much the Little League program does for the Mlb. I know that there are gyms with kids teams and programs but here in Vegas you don't hear about climbing unless your parents climb or someone you know. But you can be sure every kid from kindergarten up has heard of little league. They come to the school with flyers and promote the hell out of it. I personally think that climbing has a lot to offer kids, I truly hope that my to boys continue to enjoy it as they get older. How many fat and unhealthy climber do you see? Or how often do you hear of hoodlum climbers causing trouble in the cities? It is my opinion if you get the kids hooked you get the parents and when you get the parents you get the money and support. Just my thoughts.... I think one way to get more support for climbing is through kids. Who is actively marketing the climbing scene to children? Take baseball for example, think about how much the Little League program does for the Mlb. I know that there are gyms with kids teams and programs but here in Vegas you don’t hear about climbing unless your parents climb or someone you know. But you can be sure every kid from kindergarten up has heard of little league. They come to the school with flyers and promote the hell out of it. I personally think that climbing has a lot to offer kids, I truly hope that my to boys continue to enjoy it as they get older. How many fat and unhealthy climber do you see? Or how often do you hear of hoodlum climbers causing trouble in the cities? It is my opinion if you get the kids hooked you get the parents and when you get the parents you get the money and support. Just my thoughts….

]]> By: meritwest http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/comment-page-1/#comment-488 meritwest Sun, 11 Nov 2007 05:35:38 +0000 http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/#comment-488 would this commentator be allowed to use curse words? would this commentator be allowed to use curse words?

]]> By: Lone Wolfe http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/comment-page-1/#comment-482 Lone Wolfe Fri, 09 Nov 2007 19:18:15 +0000 http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/#comment-482 Ney, the technology of which you speak already exists, in the form of the "sports commentator." Such a person, preferably an experienced climber, would be able to provide insight into the mind of the competitors while also relaying the finer points of technical climbing to the broader audience. By acting as a filter, the commentator allows the non-climber to learn something about our sport while enjoying the hot bods and gymnastic finesse. Maybe the spectators will even get excited enough to go try climbing for themselves. Ney, the technology of which you speak already exists, in the form of the “sports commentator.” Such a person, preferably an experienced climber, would be able to provide insight into the mind of the competitors while also relaying the finer points of technical climbing to the broader audience. By acting as a filter, the commentator allows the non-climber to learn something about our sport while enjoying the hot bods and gymnastic finesse. Maybe the spectators will even get excited enough to go try climbing for themselves.

]]> By: meritwest http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/comment-page-1/#comment-451 meritwest Sat, 03 Nov 2007 21:43:33 +0000 http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/#comment-451 While discussing climbing in the Olympics, I commented that the technology to capture an audience for climbing hasn't been invented yet. You would have to make the audience look through the climbers eyes and hear/ feel the thoughts of doubt and confidence through each move. While discussing climbing in the Olympics, I commented that the technology to capture an audience for climbing hasn’t been invented yet. You would have to make the audience look through the climbers eyes and hear/ feel the thoughts of doubt and confidence through each move.

]]> By: M3 http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/comment-page-1/#comment-412 M3 Wed, 10 Oct 2007 00:02:14 +0000 http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/#comment-412 Believe me, Neon Tights are not going to get the crowd excited. The sport needs revolution not a step back into the 80's. Ecspecially since that is where it is still stuck for the most part. Not only do comps need to be reformated, the clothing style needs to become appealing. Its not so much the fat ass we need to draw in. Its the youth 20 and below that we need to capture the attention of. They need to be able to relate to whats happening, think its rad and most of all want to go do try it for themselves. Believe me, Neon Tights are not going to get the crowd excited. The sport needs revolution not a step back into the 80’s. Ecspecially since that is where it is still stuck for the most part. Not only do comps need to be reformated, the clothing style needs to become appealing. Its not so much the fat ass we need to draw in. Its the youth 20 and below that we need to capture the attention of. They need to be able to relate to whats happening, think its rad and most of all want to go do try it for themselves.

]]> By: Rob http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/comment-page-1/#comment-411 Rob Tue, 09 Oct 2007 23:18:41 +0000 http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/#comment-411 Unless it invovles a ball or making a left hand turn at a high rate of speed most Americans just aren't interested. Climbing comps are a bit boring to watch even as a climber. We've all sat there as setters/coaches/spectators etc. for hours on end. Most nationals/divisionals and regionals comps are set basically as technical endurance routes getting progressively harder as the competitor gets further up the route. And most comps now in the states revolve completely around kids so there generally are no big moves/throws/dynos etc. Unless it invovles a ball or making a left hand turn at a high rate of speed most Americans just aren’t interested. Climbing comps are a bit boring to watch even as a climber. We’ve all sat there as setters/coaches/spectators etc. for hours on end. Most nationals/divisionals and regionals comps are set basically as technical endurance routes getting progressively harder as the competitor gets further up the route. And most comps now in the states revolve completely around kids so there generally are no big moves/throws/dynos etc.

]]> By: RhoadsClimbs http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/comment-page-1/#comment-409 RhoadsClimbs Mon, 08 Oct 2007 14:46:28 +0000 http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/#comment-409 Totally, I like it Rob. To make comps fun to watch we need to think about putting on a show, not just trying to stump competitors. Also, Comps are fun to watch when we got people with personality, Obe Carrion comes to mind. Sharma is undoubtedly the best (and he is my favorite climber) but I don't find his personality/style all that exciting for comps. But really, let's forget about impressing some fat ass on a couch and get people who climb into it, now that would be cool. Totally, I like it Rob. To make comps fun to watch we need to think about putting on a show, not just trying to stump competitors. Also, Comps are fun to watch when we got people with personality, Obe Carrion comes to mind. Sharma is undoubtedly the best (and he is my favorite climber) but I don’t find his personality/style all that exciting for comps.
But really, let’s forget about impressing some fat ass on a couch and get people who climb into it, now that would be cool.

]]> By: rockjockrob http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/comment-page-1/#comment-408 rockjockrob Mon, 08 Oct 2007 14:22:58 +0000 http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/#comment-408 I have competed and watched a lot of comps. The crowd is really important. why should they not be having just as much fun? It is partly the route setter's responsibility. One of the best gimmicks I've seen to get the crowd's attention is to get em high early and easy, then throw gymnastic movements through the middle of the route. Mix a deadpoint finish in, and you've got a testpiece that will take multiple tries to get without frying out your top competitors. The competitors have a responsibility to get the energy high also. There are far too many musclebound swearing knuckledraggers. I can see those at the YMCA. Competitors need to get psyked! Face paint, tights, and neon hair may be extremes, but something has to get the crowd excited. I have competed and watched a lot of comps. The crowd is really important. why should they not be having just as much fun? It is partly the route setter’s responsibility. One of the best gimmicks I’ve seen to get the crowd’s attention is to get em high early and easy, then throw gymnastic movements through the middle of the route. Mix a deadpoint finish in, and you’ve got a testpiece that will take multiple tries to get without frying out your top competitors.

The competitors have a responsibility to get the energy high also. There are far too many musclebound swearing knuckledraggers. I can see those at the YMCA. Competitors need to get psyked! Face paint, tights, and neon hair may be extremes, but something has to get the crowd excited.

]]> By: RhoadsClimbs http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/comment-page-1/#comment-405 RhoadsClimbs Fri, 05 Oct 2007 23:11:17 +0000 http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/#comment-405 Yea, climbing over water would be cool, the fall factor is exciting, kind of like crashing in NASCAR, dangerous but usually not fatal. I'd watch. Watching comps is boring for me and that would help but I still don't think any non-climbers would care. But, tell me again why I want a fat-ass Budlight couch dweller to to enjoy watching climbing? Is it so we can make "bank?" Yea, climbing over water would be cool, the fall factor is exciting, kind of like crashing in NASCAR, dangerous but usually not fatal. I’d watch. Watching comps is boring for me and that would help but I still don’t think any non-climbers would care.

But, tell me again why I want a fat-ass Budlight couch dweller to to enjoy watching climbing? Is it so we can make “bank?”

]]> By: Joe Czerwinski http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/comment-page-1/#comment-395 Joe Czerwinski Wed, 03 Oct 2007 14:15:25 +0000 http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/#comment-395 My point was hit exactly, as real climbing and current US competition is only exciting to the people who are knowledgeable about the sport, as there are a lot of nuances that only climbers notice. If compettion climbing is going to make in on TV, it needs to be in a way that attracts the budlight fat ass on the couch. Whatever that formatt would be, dyno, speed climbing, speed dyno whatever. Even though those formatts do not really "represent" true climbing, why is it bad to have competition climbing promoted through TV, and have the opportunity for athletes in out sport to finally make some bank????? as a devils advocate, wouldnt the skatboard big air contest be a bit of a sell out on the "heart of skating"? Yes, but it is exciting and sponsors will shell out the dollars. Whatever climbing has to do to get on TV, so it can grow is only a good thing. In order to see the future, one must look ahead, not behind. My point was hit exactly, as real climbing and current US competition is only exciting to the people who are knowledgeable about the sport, as there are a lot of nuances that only climbers notice.

If compettion climbing is going to make in on TV, it needs to be in a way that attracts the budlight fat ass on the couch. Whatever that formatt would be, dyno, speed climbing, speed dyno whatever. Even though those formatts do not really “represent” true climbing, why is it bad to have competition climbing promoted through TV, and have the opportunity for athletes in out sport to finally make some bank?????

as a devils advocate, wouldnt the skatboard big air contest be a bit of a sell out on the “heart of skating”? Yes, but it is exciting and sponsors will shell out the dollars. Whatever climbing has to do to get on TV, so it can grow is only a good thing.

In order to see the future, one must look ahead, not behind.

]]> By: FirstNameSmith http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/comment-page-1/#comment-376 FirstNameSmith Tue, 02 Oct 2007 22:56:52 +0000 http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/#comment-376 I think what we're talking about is a pseudo dunk-contest. Newbies to climbing and non-climbers will always give the Ooo and Ahhh when they see some climber hurl themself up/across the wall to some jug. Granted, this doesn't leave much latitude for the increased difficulty of the dyno when the jugs turn into slopey pinches or tiny crimps. That's where good camera work can help. Honestly though, the thought of turning pushing climbing again into a watchable event for x-game junkies as the form of a dyno contest/dunk contest sounds like another speed climbing, and would probably turn out the same way... do they still do that? Speed climbing? I think what we’re talking about is a pseudo dunk-contest. Newbies to climbing and non-climbers will always give the Ooo and Ahhh when they see some climber hurl themself up/across the wall to some jug. Granted, this doesn’t leave much latitude for the increased difficulty of the dyno when the jugs turn into slopey pinches or tiny crimps. That’s where good camera work can help.

Honestly though, the thought of turning pushing climbing again into a watchable event for x-game junkies as the form of a dyno contest/dunk contest sounds like another speed climbing, and would probably turn out the same way… do they still do that? Speed climbing?

]]> By: DJ AX http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/comment-page-1/#comment-374 DJ AX Tue, 02 Oct 2007 20:11:41 +0000 http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/#comment-374 If you haven't seen "Ninja Warrior" yet.. go to YouTube and look. http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%22ninja+warrior%22&search=Search It's a Japanese show that airs on the G4 cable tv station. Also of note: our local gym member "Colin B" won a contest put up by the cable show and they are sending him to Japan in November to compete on it! http://www.g4tv.com/ninjawarrior/ninja_list.aspx I think they got the idea for Ninja Warrior from the "Climber-X" comp we had a few years ago... jk... If you haven’t seen “Ninja Warrior” yet.. go to YouTube and look.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%22ninja+warrior%22&search=Search

It’s a Japanese show that airs on the G4 cable tv station.

Also of note: our local gym member “Colin B” won a contest put up by the cable show and they are sending him to Japan in November to compete on it!
http://www.g4tv.com/ninjawarrior/ninja_list.aspx

I think they got the idea for Ninja Warrior from the “Climber-X” comp we had a few years ago… jk…

]]> By: Joe Czerwinski http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/comment-page-1/#comment-373 Joe Czerwinski Tue, 02 Oct 2007 19:35:45 +0000 http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/#comment-373 Given my production setting experience, I would like to throw a little out there. I dont think it comes down to seeing someone climb over water versus pads. What will keep someone from changing the channel is the style of climbing they see. Real climbing or US competition climbing is only exciting to climbers. Hell, I have shown my family the most exciting bouldering videos out there, and after 30 minutes, half of them are asleep. One problem with setting for the non-climber audience, is they have nothing to relate to. They have no idea had difficult squeezing that pinch is in the roof. However, (in comparison) everyone would be able to relate (or imagine) what it would be like if a big toilet bowl was bolted to a roof. People know what a toilet bowl is like, becasue they have one. They are familiar with the size and general shape. Shapes that look like fruits and vegtables could be a great idea for the audience to relate to something. Is that totally silly, yes. But I think it could work to some aspect. It wont solve all the problems with putting climbing on TV, but its just one idea. Given my production setting experience, I would like to throw a little out there. I dont think it comes down to seeing someone climb over water versus pads. What will keep someone from changing the channel is the style of climbing they see. Real climbing or US competition climbing is only exciting to climbers. Hell, I have shown my family the most exciting bouldering videos out there, and after 30 minutes, half of them are asleep.

One problem with setting for the non-climber audience, is they have nothing to relate to. They have no idea had difficult squeezing that pinch is in the roof. However, (in comparison) everyone would be able to relate (or imagine) what it would be like if a big toilet bowl was bolted to a roof. People know what a toilet bowl is like, becasue they have one. They are familiar with the size and general shape.
Shapes that look like fruits and vegtables could be a great idea for the audience to relate to something.

Is that totally silly, yes. But I think it could work to some aspect. It wont solve all the problems with putting climbing on TV, but its just one idea.

]]> By: M3 http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/comment-page-1/#comment-372 M3 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 22:07:33 +0000 http://www.routesetter.com/2007/10/01/a-dangerous-life-is-whats-needed/#comment-372 No Pool, No Water, and maybe even No Pads. The motox guys arn't wearing parachutes and they are coming down a lot harder from a lot higher. No Pool, No Water, and maybe even No Pads. The motox guys arn’t wearing parachutes and they are coming down a lot harder from a lot higher.

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