Naked Bouldering — Can The Art Get Any Purer?

Seriously, is there anything more beautiful than this?


Pic © Dean Fidelman

I've always loved bouldering for its simplicity. No ropes, no harnesses, no gear. Just you, your shoes, maybe a chalk bag.. and the rock. Never going high enough that a fall is likely to kill, but still adrenaline & lactic acid pumping hard enough that you can burn yourself out completely in half an hour (I know, I've done it on several occasions when there was only enough light for half an hour's climbing *grin*).

Turns out there's a new craze, even purer, simpler, closer to nature. Climbing completely nude. California based climber & photographer Dean Fidelman (who took the photo above) has even released calendars of the climbing in action, called "Stone Nudes."

Climbing by itself is such an incredibly beautiful sport. Fluid, graceful motion, intense amounts of power, stunningly intricate technicalities & the pure harmonious blend of mind, body & spirit. To do it completely naked simply captures that beauty perfectly.

  • http://lifesans.com Andrew

    That's also some very nice photography :)

  • http://sidawson.org Si Dawson

    Indeed.. it's hard NOT to notice it..

  • http://www.sushizume.com sushi zume

    I have heard of naked yoga, even naked hooping but this…this is pure strength! Letting it all hang out in a seriously powerful way.

  • http://sidawson.org Si Dawson

    tell you what, it's the no shoes that get me. That must HURT. Good shoes make a world of difference.

    Having the rest of yourself naked I can completely understand though. The closer to purity, nature & the essence of the love that draws you to it in the first place.…. much like yourself & hooping :)

  • Dorota

    Yes, it is beautiful, bbbut … what about stuff flopping about? lol
    Personally, I can't imagine climbing naked — especially without the shoes.

  • http://sidawson.org Si Dawson

    umm… yes, well, there is that. Would make mantles a HIGH risk activity *laugh*

    .. and I'm totally with you on the shoes. Think how long it takes your fingers to harden up.. then imagine your entire weight pressed on that softness.. *OUCH*