COMMON CLIMBER
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      • Demented Dirtbag
      • Don't Take Granite for Granite
      • Dorothy, We Aren't on Havana Anymore
      • No Health Insurance Changed How I Climb
      • Snakes and Ladders
      • Starting Over
      • The Bane of Northwest Climbing
      • Things of Stone and Wood
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      • Anti-Social Climbers
      • Ice is Nice
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      • 12-Weeks to Onsighting a 5.8
      • How Auto-Immune Disease Affected My Climbing
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      • The Devil's Game
      • The Taste of Climbing
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        • UTAH - This One Makes You Taller
      • Overcoming Boundaries >
        • Photographer - Brook Anderson
        • Profile - Louise Shepherd
        • Profile - Megan Banker
        • Profile - Shawn Axelrod
        • Rock Type 1
        • The Tape Job
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        • Editorial - Women's Edition
        • Climbing is My Art
        • Mt. Logan Solo
        • Photographer - Michelle Ranee Johnson
        • Profile - Caitlin Schokker
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      • Bliss: Climbing in the Blueys
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      • The Legend of the ‘Unclimbable Cliff’
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    • Books >
      • Advanced Rock Climbing Book Review
      • Adventures at the Edge of the World
      • Hangdog Days Book Review
    • Equipment/Gear >
      • Belay Device Review >
        • Edelrid Mega Jul
      • Harnesses >
        • ArcTeryx-FL-365
        • Misty Mountain Cadillac
      • Packs and Bags >
        • Sukoa Chalk Bag Review
        • Trango Crag Pack
      • Personal Anchor Systems >
        • Camp-Daisy-Twist
        • Petzl-Dual-Adjust
  • Photographers
    • J - Michelle Ranee Johnson
    • N - Tiffany Nardico
    • P - Diego Perez
  • Locations
    • 2019 U.S. Rock Climbing Festivals
    • 'Round the World >
      • 20 World Destinations for Adventurous Climbing
    • Australia >
      • Queensland, Australia >
        • Kangaroo Point Photos and Beta
        • Kangaroo Point Review
      • New South Wales Australia >
        • Blue Mountains >
          • Blue Mountains Photos and Beta
          • Blue Mountains Review
        • Nowra >
          • Nowra Photos and Beta
          • Nowra Review
    • Mexico >
      • Potrero Chico Photos and Beta
      • Potrero Chico Review
    • United States >
      • Climbing Area Check List - U.S. >
        • Climbing Area Check List Part 1: Alabama to California
        • Climbing Area Checklist Part 2: Colorado to Michigan
        • Climbing Area Checklist Part 3: Minnesota to New Mexico
        • Climbing Area Checklist Part 4: New York to Wyoming
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          • Joshua Tree Tips
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          • Mount Whitney Photos and Beta
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          • City of Rocks Photos and Beta
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          • Smith Rock - Photos and Beta
          • Smith Rock Review
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          • Spring Mountain Review
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          • Trout Creek Review
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          • Red Rock Canyon Review - Yeahs and Neahs
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        • Rumney, NH
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        • Gunks Review
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        • Echo Canyon
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          • Ferguson Canyon Photos and Beta
          • Ferguson Canyon Review
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          • Ibex Photos and Beta
          • Ibex Review
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          • Maple Canyon, Utah Photos and Beta
          • Maple Canyon Review
        • Moab >
          • Moab - Main - Photos and Beta
          • Moab -Main - Review
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          • St. George - Prophesy Wall- Photos and Beta
          • St. George - Prophesy Wall - Review
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        • Seneca Rocks
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        • Ten Sleep
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      • B - Dave Barnes >
        • Dave Barnes Extended Bio
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      • G - Enock Glidden
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      • P - Emilie Pellerin
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      • S - Jeff Smoot
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      • T - Matt Tredway
      • W - Lani Wilson
  • Contact and Submissions
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  • About Common Climber
    • Why I Started Common Climber
    • Welcome Dave Barnes!

Why I Started Common Climber

Photo Credit: Lady Lockoff
You can see the byline for the website - features created by and oriented towards the common climber – that is the 95% of us who work, go to school, raise families, and climb when we can - proudly crushing whatever we can - you get the idea of the concept, but what compelled me to start this site?

Reason 1 – An alternative voice - I subscribe to the major climbing magazines. I definitely enjoy them, but there are moments when I toss them down in frustration. Why? Because I can only take so much. I can only take so much “noobs,” “newbie,” and “gumby” insults. I can only take so much elite bad-ass-ness and epics. In those moments of frustration I either felt insulted or left out. I found there were many moments after reading certain articles I didn’t feel good. The message I kept receiving was if I wasn’t fuckin’ crushin’ on rock  I was a flea-bag gumby nothingness contaminating the crags. The only crushin’ that was happening was my spirit. A magazine, especially one I am paying for, should not do that.
 
I wondered, am I the only one that feels this way? When I spoke with others I learned there were plenty of climbers who did not feel represented. I wondered if there was a place for something that represents the 95% of us who are not climbing at the highest of levels? That was when the name Common Climber came to me. At that point I realized I am a Common Climber.
 
Perhaps the words Common Climber are uninspiring, after all who wants to be common? None of us. None of us, at least initially, wants to be common. But the fact of the matter is, with respect to climbing, most of us are. And, you know what? Being common is OK, normal, perfectly acceptable, and, can actually be a relief. But, being common does not take away from individuality and uniqueness – we each have our own passions, talents, and stories. Rather, being common binds us together, which leads me to Reason 2.
 
Reason 2 – A common community – As climbers we are a community. Most climbers struggle – with ourselves, our demons, the messages we receive about striving to “get better,” then trying to get “better” and, perhaps, reaching a plateau. We struggle with disappointment, fear, injury, insecurity on the wall. We also take pride in accomplishments small and large - or at least we need to. As a Common Climber it is important to recognize that finishing your first 5.9 without a rest is a worthy accomplishment.
 
Whether you are a 5.9 or a 5.12 climber we have in common that we are ALL trying our best given individual circumstances – be they physical, mental, or time limitations.  We are also ALL trying to find our place in climbing. If the only voice and messages we receive about what being a climber means are the ones we receive from the popular media, then we will almost always be disappointed in ourselves.  Rather, our place as a climber is the one we define ourselves, defining AND accepting our likes, dislikes, strengths, weaknesses, limitations, choices, mental framework, etc. What that looks like for me is different than what it looks like for you, but there is still considerable commonality between us.
 
Since Common Climber is about these commonalities, my hope is that the website CommonClimber.com would be an outlet for us. That it would contain unique, funny, heartfelt stories that we can laugh at or shake our heads yes to because they are relate-able. I want CommonClimber.com to be a respite from the insulting and the hard-core, and, instead, be a place we can relax in our normalcy.
 
This leads me to reason number 3.
 
Reason 3 – An outlet for expression –CommonClimber.com is an outlet for expression. Part of the human experience is the need for personal expression. Some express through writing, others through photography, others through talking, singing, or video, others through sewing. I need to write.
 
I considered a blog, but my expression was more in the form of articles. I also wanted to open this up to others, since not everyone desires to manage a blog or a website. Thus, CommonClimber.com is more like an online magazine, where people can submit their creative expression about climbing. If you have an idea for expression that might fit on the website, but the category does not yet exist, share it with me.

The bottom line is, let’s create together, let's relate together, let's celebrate our commonness together. Proudly, I AM a common climber!

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© COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK, COMMON CLIMBER, 2016-2019  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • Writing
    • All Writings (List)
    • Adaptive Climbing >
      • El Capitan: Enock Glidden
      • My Journey to Adaptive Rock Climbing
      • Planning for Mt. Rainier: Adaptive Climbing
      • Resources - Adaptive Climbing
    • Alpine >
      • California Still Has Untouched Climbing Wilderness
      • Mt. Ogden Spanking
      • Mt. Whitney Whipping
      • My Common Alpine Epic
    • Equipment (writings) >
      • 8 Reasons I Carry a Full Rack on Every Trad Climb
      • Carabiner Strength Ratings
      • Climbing Shoes Fit
      • Guide Book Follies
      • Rope Buying 101
      • The One Item to Stockpile
      • Which Way Should I Carry My Trad Rack?
      • Why GriGris Suck
    • Facebook Feature >
      • FF: Trees & Climbing
    • Grades, Styles, & Types >
      • Bouldering-Falling
      • Bouldering Grade Advancements
      • Grading Climbs at the Gym
      • It's a F-ing Chimney
      • Onsight vs Flash vs Etc...
      • Top 10: Increase the Climbing Grade When...
      • Trad Climbing is for Chicken Sh*#s
      • WTF 5.7?
      • 18 Climber Types: Which Are You?
    • Kids >
      • Family Stages
    • Legends >
      • G - Todd Gordon
      • H - Hugh Herr
      • J - Saxon Johns
    • Other/Misc >
      • Climbing, Community, and the U.S. Presidential Election
      • Climbing Drinking Games
      • Climbing Gyms: The Gateway Drug
      • Climbing Hands
      • Climbing Resolutions
      • Demented Dirtbag
      • Don't Take Granite for Granite
      • Dorothy, We Aren't on Havana Anymore
      • No Health Insurance Changed How I Climb
      • Snakes and Ladders
      • Starting Over
      • The Bane of Northwest Climbing
      • Things of Stone and Wood
    • Poetry/Prose >
      • Anti-Social Climbers
      • Ice is Nice
    • Mental-Physical >
      • 12-Weeks to Onsighting a 5.8
      • How Auto-Immune Disease Affected My Climbing
      • Mastering Joy on Easy Street
      • Mind, Body, and Soul
      • Of Cartoons and Quickdraws
      • Push and Pull
      • Sorcerer and the Kidney Stone
      • The Devil's Game
      • The Taste of Climbing
    • Social/Social Media >
      • Climbing into the Fold
      • Diversity in Climbing is Not a Bandwagon
      • My Husband Climbs Stronger than Me
      • Fuck "Gumbies" and "Noobs"
      • Social Network Rescue
    • Safety and Skills >
      • Bolting and Ground-Fall Potential
      • Euro-Death Knot is NOT
      • Multi-Pitch Tips: Two ATCs
      • Sketchy Anchor Bolts
      • Sliding-X Anchor
      • Three Ways to Use a Stick Clip
      • Top 10: Climbing Best Practices
    • Themed Editions >
      • Joshua Tree Articles >
        • Bouldering: JTree Made Me Do It
        • Improv at JTree: Bad Bolts
        • JTree: Bolting Pressure Cooker
        • Joshua Tree: Heinous Approaches
      • Developers and Guidebook Authors >
        • Kevin Powell
        • Rock Star Groupie
        • Tony Calderone
      • Exploring Our World >
        • AUSTRALIA - Photographer - Diego Perez
        • AUSTRALIA - Profile - Julie Anderson
        • Book Review - Climbing Rock
        • CHINA - From Yangshuo, to Getu, to Liming
        • FRANCE - Verdon in Winter
        • GREECE - Meteora
        • ITALY - Dolomites
        • MEXICO - La Huasteca
        • SPAIN - Artist - Karmelo Onate
        • UTAH - This One Makes You Taller
      • Overcoming Boundaries >
        • Photographer - Brook Anderson
        • Profile - Louise Shepherd
        • Profile - Megan Banker
        • Profile - Shawn Axelrod
        • Rock Type 1
        • The Tape Job
      • Women's Edition >
        • Editorial - Women's Edition
        • Climbing is My Art
        • Mt. Logan Solo
        • Photographer - Michelle Ranee Johnson
        • Profile - Caitlin Schokker
    • Travel Stories >
      • Bliss: Climbing in the Blueys
      • Buenos Aires, Argentina Crag
      • The Legend of the ‘Unclimbable Cliff’
      • Vedauwoo, WY
      • Zone of Craptitude
  • Marketplace
    • Store
    • Climbing Addicts Colored Chalk
    • Climb-On Maps
    • Permagumby (formerly Crusher Climbing)
    • Dynamite Starfish
    • Heroclip
    • Neilico
    • NW Alpine
    • Rockytalkies
  • Reviews
    • Books >
      • Advanced Rock Climbing Book Review
      • Adventures at the Edge of the World
      • Hangdog Days Book Review
    • Equipment/Gear >
      • Belay Device Review >
        • Edelrid Mega Jul
      • Harnesses >
        • ArcTeryx-FL-365
        • Misty Mountain Cadillac
      • Packs and Bags >
        • Sukoa Chalk Bag Review
        • Trango Crag Pack
      • Personal Anchor Systems >
        • Camp-Daisy-Twist
        • Petzl-Dual-Adjust
  • Photographers
    • J - Michelle Ranee Johnson
    • N - Tiffany Nardico
    • P - Diego Perez
  • Locations
    • 2019 U.S. Rock Climbing Festivals
    • 'Round the World >
      • 20 World Destinations for Adventurous Climbing
    • Australia >
      • Queensland, Australia >
        • Kangaroo Point Photos and Beta
        • Kangaroo Point Review
      • New South Wales Australia >
        • Blue Mountains >
          • Blue Mountains Photos and Beta
          • Blue Mountains Review
        • Nowra >
          • Nowra Photos and Beta
          • Nowra Review
    • Mexico >
      • Potrero Chico Photos and Beta
      • Potrero Chico Review
    • United States >
      • Climbing Area Check List - U.S. >
        • Climbing Area Check List Part 1: Alabama to California
        • Climbing Area Checklist Part 2: Colorado to Michigan
        • Climbing Area Checklist Part 3: Minnesota to New Mexico
        • Climbing Area Checklist Part 4: New York to Wyoming
      • Arizona >
        • Queen Creek Canyon
      • California >
        • Joshua Tree >
          • Joshua Tree Tips
        • Mount Whitney >
          • Mount Whitney Photos and Beta
      • Idaho >
        • City of Rocks >
          • City of Rocks Photos and Beta
          • City of Rocks Review
      • Oregon >
        • Smith Rock >
          • Smith Rock - Photos and Beta
          • Smith Rock Review
        • Spring Mountain >
          • Spring Mountain Review
          • Spring Mountain - Photos and Beta
        • Trout Creek >
          • Trout Creek Photos and Beta
          • Trout Creek Review
      • Nevada >
        • Gun Club
        • Keyhole Canyon
        • Red Rock Canyon >
          • Red Rock Canyon Review - Yeahs and Neahs
          • Red Rocks Photos and Beta
      • New Hampshire >
        • North Conway, NH
        • Rumney, NH
      • New York >
        • Gunks Review
      • Utah >
        • Echo Canyon
        • Ferguson Canyon >
          • Ferguson Canyon Photos and Beta
          • Ferguson Canyon Review
        • Ibex >
          • Ibex Photos and Beta
          • Ibex Review
        • Maple Canyon >
          • Maple Canyon, Utah Photos and Beta
          • Maple Canyon Review
        • Moab >
          • Moab - Main - Photos and Beta
          • Moab -Main - Review
        • St. George >
          • St. George - Prophesy Wall- Photos and Beta
          • St. George - Prophesy Wall - Review
      • West Virginia >
        • Seneca Rocks
      • Wyoming >
        • Ten Sleep
  • Contributors
    • Photos by Contributor
    • Writings By Author >
      • B - Stephanie Bahnsen
      • B - Dave Barnes >
        • Dave Barnes Extended Bio
      • B - Keith Bell
      • C - Erin Collins
      • C - James Crump
      • D - Stefani Dawn
      • G - Leesa Gallia
      • G - Enock Glidden
      • H - Grey Hensley
      • J - Jonathan
      • K- Melissa Kline
      • K - Christine Kuebler
      • M - Rick Momsen
      • O - Maggie Odette
      • P - Emilie Pellerin
      • P - Brice Pollock
      • R - Monique Richard
      • R - Juan Rodriguez
      • S - Jeff Smoot
      • T- Frothy Thomson
      • T - Matt Tredway
      • W - Lani Wilson
  • Contact and Submissions
    • Dialogue
    • Mailing List Request
  • About Common Climber
    • Why I Started Common Climber
    • Welcome Dave Barnes!