Hugh Herr, Mo Beck, and Jim Ewing share stories of survival, resilience, and the power of climbing. They discuss topics such as coming to terms with amputation, the competitiveness of climbing, forming bonds with other climbers, funny anecdotes from climbing trips, the obsession with weight in climbing, and pushing limits in the sport.
Hugh Herr's prosthetic legs allowed him to excel in climbing and establish routes rated X.
Mo Beck overcame the misconception that having a disability meant she needed saving and became a leading figure in the disabled climbing community.
Deep dives
Climbing journeys and passion for the sport
The speaker, Hugh Herr, shares his lifelong passion for climbing, starting from a young age and progressing to more challenging routes. He recounts his climbing accident in 1982 that resulted in the amputation of his legs and how it initially devastated him. However, driven by his love for climbing, he quickly adapted to his prosthetic legs and continued pushing the limits of the sport. Despite the challenges, Hugh's climbing level improved with his artificial limbs, allowing him to excel in difficult climbs and establish routes that were rated X. He emphasizes his focus on hard rock climbing and crack climbing as his specialties.
Overcoming challenges and misconceptions
The speaker, Mo Beck, shares her journey as a climber born without a hand. She describes how she fell in love with climbing during her teenage years and pursued it despite not having any role models or support at the time. Mo faked her skills to become a climbing counselor and saved up money to hire guides. Eventually, she found her independence in climbing and overcame the misconception that having a disability meant she needed saving. She actively sought out the disabled climbing community and embraced her identity, eventually becoming a leading figure. Mo reflects on the growth of the community and how it pushed her to try harder and continue improving.
Surviving a harrowing climbing experience
The speaker, Hugh Herr, recounts a near-death climbing experience on Mount Washington in New Hampshire. He and his climbing partner found themselves trapped in extreme conditions due to worsening weather, forcing them to descend. They faced grueling challenges, including freezing temperatures, deep snow, and high winds. However, they managed to survive by digging out snow caves, huddling to share body heat, and rationing their energy. After several days of struggling, they were rescued by a group of snowshoers. The speaker expresses the profound relief and gratitude they felt when they saw their rescuers, knowing that they were no longer facing certain death.
Designing innovative climbing legs and pushing boundaries
Hugh Herr shares how he designed his own climbing legs after his amputation, constantly seeking to improve his performance and take advantage of weight reduction. His synthetic limbs allowed him to excel in different types of climbing, from crack climbing to balancing advantage and disadvantage. Hugh's innovative approach led him to climb routes with poor gear, often rated X, and set new standards. He addresses accusations of cheating, explaining how they were actually seen as compliments and a testament to his incredible abilities. He concludes by highlighting his continued determination to push his own limits and inspire others in the climbing community.
Climbing’s first phenom survives a near death experience and life altering accident on Mount Washington. In rural Maine, a young girl born without a hand discovers climbing. In the aftermath of an accident, an engineer resolves to complete a lifelong dream. Hugh Herr, Mo Beck and Jim Ewing take us on a journey in a two part series about human potential, generational friendships and the power of climbing.
