49 too old to start climbing?

James Marlowe wrote:Let me start by saying i am 49. I am a 6'4" 190# and a flat- lander(louisiana).

The simple answer is that given your age and physical shape there are no barriers to start climbing, but climbing 5.10 is different than climbing the Matterhorn. You can work on your rock climbing at the local gym, but to get into alpine climbing you will need to venture into the Rockies, Cascades, etc. to get more experience at altitude and continue to learn basic mountaineering skills. Rainier was a good start and hitting the Tetons or other rocky ranges will also help getting ready for the Matterhorn.

The regular route on the Matterhorn itself is not technically difficult, but it is exposed climbing on loose rock, has potential for rockfall, crowds, bad weather, etc. these are all mental aspects of climbing that you will need to be prepared to deal with.

You can Google Mammut and Matterhorn to find an interactive 3D video of two climbers on the Matterhorn's regular route.

Have fun.

No way you are too old. In addition to the climbing gym, suggest considering a regular (every 3-4 days) weight training program. Lots of info on the web with climbing specific workouts. Goal is to increase strength (upper body, grip and finger) without adding bulk. You might want to consider working your way into lead climbing, as that will accelerate the learning curve. Check out Yamnuska Mountaineering in Canmore, Alberta. If you take every program they offer, you'll acquire all the skills you need, including anchor building which sooner or later you will need. Also take a self-rescue course. And for size, didn't seem to hinder Dean Potter.

james..think of it this way, you haven't used 20-30 years of body abuse yet ! Your size shouldn't be an issue, John Long and John Gill are big guys and did OK..

Hell, a buddy of mine still cranks 12+ at 63 AND had some serious health issues a few years back.

Wow...THAT old! That puts you in what...the 1970s, maybe 1960s. There was no such thing as climbing back then, right? Wait, what's your name again? And yes, disco was GREAT in the 70s...I think. I don't remember. Anyways, I think you are too old for sex, but climbing...SURE!!! I'll never forget ol' what's-his-name, but he said, well, I don't remember...

Ha! Some funny replies!

Mark Dixon, the juvenile in me considers moving frequently, but the adult in me reminds me that I have a career and a well adjusted group of kids (4 girls) and extended family here, so moving isn't an option.

Some great ideas on training here and some really good perspective, which is what I have been seeking.

Thanks all

Started less than a year ago. Age 57 then, 58 now. Only 5 foot nuthin tall, zipadee doodah for upper body strength, about 30" less reach than 6 foot tall son. So freakin what!?? Just means carte blanche to throw route ratings, often routes themselves, out the window and enjoy each and every single move, including the 4.9 butt off the couch. Not to mention the eyebrows shooting up and the big smiles on the young studs faces when they see "Mom", or even "Grandma" in the harness on the crags. Go for it, kiddo! Ya got at least 40 more years to play!

Hey... I am 65, haven't climbed in 30 years, and I am raring to go. Look at the forums under Arizona-New Mexico and you will see some of my postings, about early memories. I recently bought a new pair of shoes, in preparation for climbing with my 23 year old Daughter. But, she ran off to the Army, so I need a partner. If you ever get to New Mexico, I would be tickled to take you on some easy to moderate (spectacular!) climbs... as a way to reintroduce myself to it all. I am: Lee Davis, 28 Charlene Ln, Belen, NM 87002. 505-948-0571

The answer is unanimous. Go Climb.

Never too old. I used to see an 85 year old guy in the gym still doing 5.9s. Not the norm, for sure, but hey. I bailed too the first time I got the the base of the final pitch of Baxter's :-) And the Grand Teton is more of a fitness and time management problem than a climbing one. You could probably do it today.

I started a decade afer you--just shy of my 60th birthday--and I'm loving it 2+ years later. I look forward to hearing how it works out for you.

Of course you're too old. You should be dead already. If I were you, I'd get back in my getaround scooter, hook up the oxygen and ride aroung the neighborhood and yell at those damned teenagers.

My dad started climbing at 61 and loves every minute of it. He went from gym top roping to outside sport climbing to trad climbing all within about 1 year. If you have the time and dedication then 49 isn't too old by any stretch of the imagination!

These sound fun:

acornstairlifts.com/

Hey James,

While I can't comment on your age and your ability to start climbing, I can say I'm also in Southern Louisiana with very similar ambitions to you. I'm 27, your fitness level is higher than mine but I'd love to break into climbing as well. My goal is to take one of the long mountaineering courses within the next year and a half. Hit me up if you're ever looking for someone to plan a trip with as I know that's one of the most difficult aspects of any non hunting/fishing outdoor pursuits around here!!!

Yes- too old. You should be standing in your driveway in the suburbs with a garden hose, black socks and sandals. Or playing golf..

LOL. No, never too old to climb. I'm 59 and still climb regularly, although I did give it up for many years. Started again a couple years ago & love it. I don't climb as hard as I could 20 or 30 years ago but I have a lot of fun. I'm usually at least twice as old as everyone else at the crag....

You don't have to be good at climbing to love climbing and get a lot out of it. I don't consider myself to be a good climber at all, but I have a lot of drive to get after it!

Last spring at Red Rocks I climbed next to an 80-year-old guy. It turned out he had put in the bolts I was clipping and that he hadn't gotten into climbing until his 60s.

Perfect age.

I started climbing at 44--maybe stay away from high balls...you may up regretting not starting earlier--you will never know how good you could have been.