Yesterday I was soaking up the solitude at an empty crag. With over 100 glorious routes available, my climbing partner and I set our sights on a classic, fun-looking line—a perfect mix of pumpy face holds on a hand sized crack with grand scenic exposure.
We had just established a top-rope when like a tornado of overpriced gear and self-importance, they appeared. The Cocky Climbing Couple.
Decked out in all the latest name brand climbing brands that screams "sponsored by Instagram," they strutted over. And without so much as a hello the guy said, "we wanted to climb this route."
Despite the literal sea of untouched routes surrounding us, they wanted the exact line we’d chosen. And when we politely declined to move? Eye-rolls, passive-aggressive whispers, and the guy eyeing us up and down as if to say, "these gumby climbers are in our way."
Initially, I was tempted to politely offer them a couple of laps on our top-rope, but after the rude body language and judge filled looks I decided otherwise.
They said they would "wait until we left", which we never did despite their climbing on either side of us for the remainder of the day.
Let’s talk about why the climbing community—one we love deeply—seems to be regularly invaded by ego maniacs who treat the crag like their personal stage.
Why Does Climbing Attract So Many Douchebags?
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It’s a Stage for Performers Let’s face it: climbing can feel performative. You’re hanging off a wall in front of an audience, pulling off moves that look way cooler than they feel. It’s like CrossFit meets Cirque du Soleil. And for those desperate for attention, this is their Broadway.
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The Social Media Effect Instagram hasn’t just brought us cool beta videos; it’s also created a "look-at-me" culture. Now, it’s not about sending your project for personal satisfaction. It’s about getting that perfectly filtered shot with the caption: "Crushed this 5.12 today. Stay humble."
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Gatekeeping and Gear Obsession Climbing gear is expensive, and some climbers wear that like a badge of honor. If you’re not rocking the latest shoes or you have aging gear (still functional), or you're showing a new climber the ropes, some climbers treat you like an imposter.
How Do We Combat the Douchebaggery?
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Remember Why You Climb At its core, climbing is about adventure, connection, and pushing personal limits. Let’s keep the focus on those values instead of flexing on others.
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Call Out Bad Behavior If someone’s being disrespectful at the crag, say something—kindly but firmly. Most climbers aren’t even aware when they’re stepping on toes (figuratively and literally).
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Set a Good Example Be the climber who shares routes, respects others, and offers a belay when someone’s partner bails. Kindness is contagious.
Where Dyno Sky Fits In
At Dyno Sky, our mission is to connect climbers and foster a sense of community.
We’re more than just climbing apparel—we’re about building a culture where climbers can come together without judgment or drama. From our hilarious "I Have Climbing Problems" shirts to free safety E-books, we’re here to make climbing more fun and less...douchey.
A Note on Humility
Age, multiple injuries, divorce, weight gain and the general butt-kickings of life have taught me to lean toward humility. Maybe those cocky climbers just need a few more years of life experiences to bring them down a notch or two.
BUT, I’ve been where they are—full of fire and a little too much swagger— with time, I’ve learned there’s more joy in lifting others up than in proving myself.
That said, my tolerance for ego wars at the crag is pretty slim these days and The Breeze is the only cocky climber I have the bandwidth to tolerate.
Final Thoughts
The crag (and gym) is big enough for all of us—literally and figuratively. If we can leave the egos behind and remember why we fell in love with climbing in the first place, the sport can stay as magical as it was the first time you topped out a route.
Until then, I’ll be carrying a mental spray bottle for the next time someone invades my climb with their bad vibes.
See you at the crag (unless you’re that couple—in which case, please take Route #99), and remember: stay humble, stay stoked, and check out Dyno Sky for gear that’ll make you look cool without acting like a fool.
