E125: Ethan Salvo - Enjoying the present, sending hard and being content
Nov 27, 2024
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Ethan Salvo, a Canadian climber from Squamish, dives deep into his introspective approach to climbing. He emphasizes the joy of the journey rather than just achieving hard sends. Salvo shares insights from his Substack articles, contrasting the unique beauty of climbing in Bishop, California, with the challenges posed by Squamish’s weather. He advocates for mindfulness and enjoying the present, exploring personal growth through climbing experiences. The conversation also touches on redefining climbing culture away from social media for genuine community connections.
Ethan Salvo emphasizes the importance of enjoying the climbing process rather than focusing solely on performance and outcomes.
He highlights the significance of long-term commitment in climbing, which fosters personal growth and deeper self-understanding.
Ethan shares insights into the impact of weather conditions on outdoor climbing experiences, stressing adaptability for maximizing climbing opportunities.
Reflecting on his transition from swimming to climbing, he illustrates how his athletic background contributes to resilience and movement proficiency.
Ethan discusses the value of camaraderie in the climbing community, showcasing how friendships enhance the overall experience beyond individual achievements.
Deep dives
Introduction of Ethan Salvo
Ethan Salvo, a Canadian climber known for his work in Squamish, shares insights about his climbing journey and experiences with hosts Aidan Roberts and Sam Pryor. He is introduced as someone who interacts in the climbing community, particularly within the Careless Talk Climbing podcast's Discord channel. The discussion revolves around Ethan's introspective approaches to climbing, particularly his long-term projects and psychological processes that influence his climbing style. His reflections provide a thoughtful examination of the motivations and challenges faced by climbers.
The Essence of Long-Term Climbing Projects
Ethan delves into the intricacies of long-term climbing projects, emphasizing the patience required to successfully complete them. He discusses how long-term commitment can lead to significant personal growth and deeper understanding of one's abilities. The psychological aspects of enduring through repeated failures and eventual successes are highlighted, showcasing the mental challenges that accompany intense climbing pursuits. This introspection transforms his approach to climbing, focusing on enjoyment rather than the pressure to perform.
California Climbing Experience
Ethan shares his excitement about climbing in California, noting the stark contrasts between climbing experiences in the U.S. and Canada. He highlights the unique environments around climbing locations, such as Bishop, Yosemite, and Berkeley, which provide different types of rock, weather conditions, and overall climbing experiences. His eagerness to climb in diverse terrains reflects a broader appreciation for the aesthetics of climbing destinations and the lifestyles surrounding them. This newfound passion is further enhanced by conversations with peers about the varying styles and landscapes.
Weather Challenges in Climbing
Ethan discusses the critical role of weather in climbing, particularly how it influences their ability to climb outdoors. He conveys his experiences with the unpredictability of weather patterns in Squamish and California, explaining the strategies climbers use to adapt and make the most of the conditions. Understanding meteorological patterns, such as the effects of the Pacific Ocean on local weather, plays an essential role in planning climbing trips. This knowledge becomes vital for climbers who wish to maximize their outdoor climbing opportunities.
Transition from Swimming to Climbing
Ethan reflects on his athletic background as a competitive swimmer and how it influenced his approach to climbing. Transitioning from swimming to climbing helped him build essential physical attributes and mental resilience, ultimately enriching his climbing experience. The skills he developed in swimming, such as endurance and technique, aided in his climbing journey and understanding of movement. This unique perspective fosters a connection between different sports, highlighting how one's foundation in sports can shape overall athletic development.
A Heartfelt Connection to Cobra Crack
Ethan recounts his emotional journey culminating in climbing the Cobra Crack, a well-known climbing route known for its difficulty and unique features. The moments of vulnerability he experienced while attempting the climb allowed him to confront fear and self-doubt, leading to a transformative experience. Climbing this iconic route became a metaphor for overcoming personal challenges and embracing the essence of climbing itself. He emphasizes that the experience solidified the idea of climbing as both a physical and mental challenge that can lead to profound personal growth.
The Impact of Climbing Community
Ethan discusses the importance of camaraderie within the climbing community and how it shapes the experiences of climbers. He shares poignant moments spent with friends, which inspire camaraderie and foster a sense of belonging in the climbing world. These experiences serve as a reminder that the bonds formed through climbing are as significant as the achievements themselves. The positive influence of his peers highlights the connection between climbing, friendship, and mutual support.
Evolving Perspectives on Motivations
Ethan addresses the evolving nature of his motivations for climbing, shifting from an emphasis on performance and accolades to a focus on enjoying the process. He acknowledges how societal pressures, such as social media, can create a cycle of comparison and self-doubt. Instead of chasing specific grades or recognition, he aims to find joy in the act of climbing itself and the experiences that come with it. This mindset allows him to cultivate deeper connections with climbing and appreciate the journey rather than just the destination.
Pursuing Authentic Climbing Experiences
Ethan emphasizes the importance of authenticity in climbing, advocating for a focus on genuine experiences rather than external validation. By prioritizing meaningful interactions and personal growth over social media recognition, climbers can foster true enjoyment of the sport. He argues that creating spaces for open dialogue and deeper connections among climbers can encourage a more enriching environment. Ultimately, pursuing authentic climbing experiences leads to greater fulfillment and a healthier relationship with the sport.
Joining us this week is the Canadian strong man Ethan Salvo. Ethan doesn't just send hard climbs he also thinks a lot about his process and has been working to ensure he enjoys the whole experience rather than just the sends. He's also joined Aidan with the attempt to bring back the blog with his articles on substack.
https://ethansalvo.substack.com/
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