The Grand Wall

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First Freak Ascent

The state of climbing fashion requires serious revision. In the old days of climbing, there truly were no tights. In fact, it wasn't about fashion at all, which is too bad. But when climbing moved to California and the crucible of Yosemite Valley, a fashion emerged that matched the attitude and bravado of the dudes wearing the duds.

With the advent of lycra, climbing became a vehicle that took tights out of the ballet theaters and onto the rock. Designer drugs, glam rock, and sexual repression paved the way for leopard skins, polka dots, and blue and black pinstripes. Photos in every 1980's guidebook are packed with colourful gems. We came a long way in a short time.Sadly, about the same time that climbing appeared in its first advertisement, things began to go wrong. A flood of new climbers created a huge, tasteless market, open for the creation of new clothing.Companies filled the gaps with all varieties of safe, dull, earth-toned sportswear. "Colours" like olive drab, subtle blue, and safari tan filled the racks.

Watching people at a crag became like looking at a cheap, faded photo. The way I see it, climbing fashion is crying out for help.

Cam Shute glam rocking on the girdle pitch

Yes Lord!