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Mountaineering competitions aren’t new, however they’re nearly all the time held indoors and tightly managed, scheduled, and executed. That is correctly, as indoor climbing’s exponential rise in reputation now helps professionals and elite and high-profile competitions, together with the game’s inclusion within the Olympic Video games.
However mountaineering has dirtbag roots which might be something however skilled or elite. Many climbers who sought journey earlier than indoor gyms sprouted Instagrammers grumpily complain that the game has misplaced its approach. They imagine that pitting one participant towards one other removes the “me versus the rock” philosophy, morphing what was a life-style loved by a singular neighborhood into nothing greater than one other option to outdo each other. (Sure, that is me.)
These crusty souls can rejoice that there’s one climbing competitors that aligns with their imaginative and prescient of what mountaineering may and must be. Sure, it’s a contest, and prizes are awarded primarily based on efficiency.
However at its core, the 24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell is a chance to collect collectively to share the struggling of climbing 24 hours straight. The camaraderie can’t be denied. And the occasion ambiance, outlandish and typically offensive costumes, and total debauchery really feel like a blast from the previous.
Watch as longtime GearJunkie climbing class contributor Nathan Mitka explains, competes, and survives the 24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in Jasper, Ark.
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