When I was an avid climber, the consensus was, "Those who free solo, die by free solo." So I think this isn't an unpopular opinion, given non-climbers got to think it's stupid. I think it's just we love to spectate on that risky adventure.

Personally I have never and won't in the future ever climb free solo but I joined people do it and my heart was racing like crazy. Imagine wittnessing a death. In my personal opinion it’s stupid. People do it because they think it makes them special. Having some type of safety measures wouldn’t effect the sport.

Does he still do free solos? If yes, he has children and a wife. That is the point where I have no respect for him or any other person. If you only got yourself and no family - fine. Do whatever. But if you have a family and people down there that love you - why should you continue to do that? You don't need to feel more alive. You already proved the world you can and it's okay. Instead he still goes up there without safety eventhough safety measures exist - for a reason.

If someone can climb what this dude can climb I wouldn't have less respect for what he achieved just because he has a rope attached to him. I personally couldn't care less. He can climb with a rope and if he falls start again until he finishes the climb without a drop and call it a day. Maybe his family members could then go in a Sauna during his climb instead of living in anxiety during his climb.

But well, I understand it. You feel alive blablabla. It's like playing hardcore in action role play games but well, those are just games and if you die fine start again. This brings me to my next critic: if you fall, someone is going to have to clean you up. Thats not fair. I'm glad no one I love solo free climbs or does any other extreme sport and if I knew someone who does it on a regular basis that I love I would try to love this person less so the loss in case an accident happens won't hurt as much.

Anyways great climber. In my eyes it's still pathetic because he doesn't need to prove he can do those climbs without a rope...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cyya23MPoAI

This video above is with Alex and Magnus and well what should I say... crazy.

[–] stanleytweedle@lemmy.world 18 points 7 months ago (2 children)

Wow, knowing that dude has kids at home changes the whole equation. I guess I just assumed the kinds of people that took those risks were the kinds of people that wouldn't let themselves have attachments or dependents because of the risks. I guess that just shows I understand people that take those risks even less than I thought I did.

[–] Cethin@lemmy.zip 3 points 7 months ago

It's an addiction. It's like assuming a crack addict will avoid attachment. He wouldn't get the same high with a rope, so he decided that his family has to deal with him getting his fix instead.

[–] Zahille7@lemmy.world 2 points 7 months ago

He's been free soloing since he graduated high school. It's basically a part of who he is at this point. I remember watching a Barbara Walters interview with him where she went to Yellowstone where he was staying, and interviewed him in his van that he was living in at the time. I'm not sure he expected to have a family at some point.

[–] Kiosade@lemmy.ca 13 points 7 months ago

Well said. This guy is a selfish idiot.

[–] SeabassDan@lemmy.world 3 points 7 months ago (4 children)

I wonder what his premiums on life insurance are, I'm guessing those he leaves behind will be well taken care of.

[–] johannesvanderwhales@lemmy.world 13 points 7 months ago

There are activities that are flat out not covered by life insurance, like sky diving. I doubt they would pay out if he was doing this.

[–] VaultBoyNewVegas@lemmy.world 6 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

My dad has insurance through his work that I could buy the house I grew up in as the money would buy left to my brother and I. It still wouldn't make up for losing the only parent I still have alive and with his health problems I dread that day. I'm also only 27 and lost my mother about three years ago and my parents aren't old my mum was only 54. My dad's 56, 57 later this year.

[–] Grogon@lemmy.world 5 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Well I have no idea about that, Im not from the US but assuming his family loves him I guess no money can make up for the loss of a loved one.

If they in any case Shouldnt love him for whatever reason and want his money he should be very careful about spoiling the routes he wants to climb lol. I watched medical detectives late night as a 10 year old I know what people especially family is capable of lol.

[–] Davel23@fedia.io 4 points 7 months ago (1 children)

I wouldn't be surprised if he was completely unable to get insurance due to his leisure-time activities.

[–] Thorny_Insight@lemm.ee 2 points 7 months ago

This is the kind of activity that when the accident happens you're not going to need hospital services