Barefoot climbing, Is it gross??!?!!?
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M Sprague wrote:I do think for the most part people over react to bare feet thoughMaybe, but I've known some people that I wouldn't be to pumped to climb after them. Their feet are JACKED up... To me it's like someone putting their bare feet up on a table when you're eating..just not really cool overall. Some people dig feet, some people don't. I just don't really dig some stranger's funk. I know I'm a clean person, but others? Dunno...I don't know where your feet have been before you came to the gym. But then again if I see you picking your nose and ass I won't want to climb after you either. |
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To add some fuel to the fire - several of my lady friends have complained about catching warts on their feet over the past couple years and they each, independently, have attributed it to their yoga classes. It's a real problem, it seems. |
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You have no idea where my hands have been and then you put your hands on the same holds I put my hands on, thats gross! |
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JPVallone wrote:You have no idea where my hands have been and then you put your hands on the same holds I put my hands on, thats gross!Lets say you go to a public shower...do they advise you wear shower shoes/sandals?? Yes! Why? To avoid the spread of fungus etc. You don't need to wear gloves walking around any where. Most you catch is a cold. |
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Gyms may harbor stuff that is a lot worse than foot funk...there's always that one dude/chick that smells really funky. I always thought climbing barefoot was good style, especially without chalk. mountainproject.com/v/calif… |
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Rick Shull wrote:Gyms may harbor stuff that is a lot worse than foot funk...there's always that one dude/chick that smells really funky. I always thought climbing barefoot was good style, especially without chalk.They soooo do. I've seen guys at the BRC that clear the whole bouldering area. Now THAT is why I disagree with BFC (barefoot climbing!) in the gym. Outside is pretty badass, Henry Barber doing 5.11 barefoot is sweet. Stinky gym guy...not the sweet I like. |
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I'm really glad that someone has addressed this issue. |
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So this hasn't been on your mind???? |
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Sarcasm; remarks that mean the opposite of what they seem to say, and are intended to mock or deride. |
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A selection from the comments that prompted me to post this question in the forum: |
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Hey Nick, are you climbing barefoot indoors, or outdoors? |
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Specifically this thread is pertaining to outdoor climbing. |
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Nick Rhoads wrote: The Pussification of America continues...I do kinda feel like a pussy for not dieing of typhoid fever, staph, rubella, or polio yet. Damn you modern sanitation practices!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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This is also an issue of respect. I can crap in hueco's and piss in pockets cause I like the wind on my bare junk. Does that mean I'm going to, no. Before you guys all poop a brick saying that's a ridiculous comparison, I know it is. However, we should all have enough respect for fellow climbers to not be a dick and do stuff that some people find repulsive. If your outdoors and there is hardly any one around, then do whatever you want. Especially in the gym you need to all consider that there are many people and many children. Would you like it if I gave your kids warts on their hands because I like to climb barefoot? |
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First, I would like to say that this is all in a light-hearted nature, I'm not taking this too seriously and I hope others aren't as well. |
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What? I can't just make un-based claims on the intardnet and have them universally accepted? Whats this world coming to... When I can track down some sources I'll let you know. Notice the heard. |
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OK, I keep reading about hypothetical dirty, smelly, filth covered and diseased bare foot climbers. The few climbers I know who climb bare foot with any regularity are pretty much the opposite of that, less smelly, cleaner and healthier than most. Obviously, climbing in a filthy, diseased and contagious state in a gym or even at the crag with others is inconsiderate, but why should those who are clean and healthy be a problem? Is it legitimate for me to assume all climbers who aren't wearing gloves are all filthy and spreading viruses? Oh wait. They are. |
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Chris treggE wrote: Umm, no."Climbing holds with blood stains need to be cleaned and brushed, if necessary with antiseptic or disinfectant. They need to dry out before re-use" You can read the whole pdf (Intended for Physicians and Other Non-medical Interested Persons) here... theuiaa.org/medical_advice.… Although it seems unlikely to get hep, do remember that once (HBV, HBC) symptoms develop, "antiviraldrugs can only slow down the damage done, not reverse it." \+++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Exactly Sprague... rockandice.com/latest-issue…- Little brother is an infectious diseases specialist and general badass, but doesn't climb...surf punk... |
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not that my opinion matters to anyone but me....but I am going to have to side with Nick on this one...I think that the more you stay away from germs the weaker your immune system becomes. Eat off the ground if your food falls! Don't wash your hands every 3 minutes! What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. And I would hope a little foot fungus residue on an indoor or outdoor hold isn't going to kill anybody. Rub a little cream on it and it will go away in a few days! |
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How many people/climbers do you know that have nasty foot diseases anyway? The few that do probably aren't the ones climbing barefoot anyway. |