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I have to buy larger (and hence more expensive) cars. I have to pay extra if I don't want to fly with my knees at my ears. I need to special order (and pay more money for) my pants. I had to develop a sixth sense about doorway heights - the hard way. My back is permanently wrecked from washing dishes and preparing food at countertops two feet below what I need them to be.
Sure, I never had to worry about the height requirements at amusement parks or getting picked first for basketball in gym class. Plus, people are usually pretty cool about awarding me shotgun even if they called it first. I'm aware there are more pluses than minuses to being tall; I've done the math. But I'm also aware that this world was built by average-heighted people.
And in yet another example of height discrimination, four days before the event has even started, I am already at a disadvantage at this week's USA Climbing Regional Championships.
Why? As I was perusing the competition format, my stomach dropped when I came across this line:
Climbers earn points for every handhold they control while ascending a route
I'm 6'6". The biggest (okay, the only) redeeming qualities I have as a climber are my wingspan and stilt legs: what takes most climbers two (sometimes three) moves usually takes me one. I'm able to spend less energy, have more options, and sometimes even skip over the whole crux of a route. Without my height...I'd be nothing as a climber (not that I'm much of one with it). And I just realized that one asset has been nullified for this weekend. If I want to remain competitive, I'll have to climb routes like I was a foot shorter.
Watching me climb a route via a regular person's sequence is like watching any grownup ride a kid's tricycle: pure entertainment. So I've got that going for me...which is nice.
gonzobeer says:
I hear ya Neal! I'm 6'4" and suffer much the same problems. I hit my head on alot of crap, crap that no one should be able to whack their domepiece on I find a way too. The dishes and food prep I understand, being a chef and all.
Although it is nice being able to skip holds and bolts becaus I can reach the next one.
Being a human Highball isn't all that bad, as long as Sean's buddy doesn't try to climb me.
Licentia Haud Vestigium
Bex says:
I have the exact opposite problem height wise. It sucks on the other spectrum too I use less material and my pants cost more.
JillSalva says:
Standing at an average height of 5'7", most people are surprised to learn I am not 5'10".
For some reason I tend to appear larger than I actually am, at least that's what other people tell me they perceive. Is that possible? I've learned to explain this phenomenon by telling people that I am small with big muscles. GRIN
Click here to view 4 new pics.
~jilly
woodchuck07 says:
how to define that...'every handhold they control' In a ratio to those attempted OR a total count of holds used and 'controlled'? Seems it would be a penalty meant to avoid big shooting dynos past tough moves and such. But hopefully not to penalize those who can make it by a move if tall enough. A ration of holds used seems right. And that ever important 'highest hold controlled' which you should get easily.
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