6 Lessons Learned Rock Climbing Blind

What I Learned Rock Climbing with a Blind Friend

My older brother Sam was in second grade when asked to help a new student become familiar with the school’s surroundings. Mike was a blind student transferring from the Idaho State School for the Deaf and Blind as part of a mainstreaming program. Since that time until they graduated from high school, Sam and Mike were great friends and quite literally often connected at the elbow as it were.

Over the years we had several adventures and mishaps with Mike. One particular adventure as teenagers took us to The City of Rocks in South Central Idaho, a rock climber’s oasis, where Sam, Mike and I free climbed Bath Rock together.

Sam led while providing instructions to both Mike and I as we followed from behind. Mike would follow Sam’s feet to understand where to put his hands. I then provided direction from behind by physically moving Mike’s feet to places that provided sure footholds. And so it was as we moved together up the face of the rock.

At times we would stop and discuss certain challenges and obstacles that we hadn’t been able to see from the ground. After collaborating and agreeing on what we thought was best, we would push on. So that Mike could climb, Sam and I took extra time to describe each of our movements and each step in very specific details – something that we typically took for granted. The climb was slow and as the steepness and difficulty of the climb increased we moved even slower. Yet at all times we kept working together, assessing the situation and moving towards our ultimate goal.

Mike excitedly asked questions, trying to comprehend what he couldn’t see or frankly what he couldn’t understand. How do you describe blue sky to one who has never seen blue? So Sam and I did our feeble best to report our progress in terms of meaning and context to help Mike understand. Like how high or how far up we’ve climbed or what the view was like.

The journey was certainly much more difficult than anticipated. It was a true adrenaline rush. Our hands were raw and our arms and legs fatigued, but after a few hours of strenuous effort, both physically and mentally, we made the top. And to our surprise and true to Bath Rock’s name, there was indeed a naturally formed bath, filled with rain water and a few bars of soap left from previous climbers.

Reaching the top was such a feeling of accomplishment for all of us, but what made this achievement so memorable, was witnessing the success and excitement of Mike.

Over the years, I’ve reflected on this event, and have found certain truths of life that parallel this rock climbing experience.

First of all safety. We were young at the time and didn’t really take safety too serious. Looking back, however, and although a great experience we were indeed very lucky. So take some time to ensure some contingency plans and safety measures are in place. Of course, just as we couldn’t see from the ground all the challenges we’d encounter as we ascended, you won’t be able to cover all your bases either. Still, unlike my example you should plan for contingencies and take precautions so that if you do fall, you’ll survive to climb again.  

Second, a commitment to a shared vision. Our commitment to a vision worked as an anchor for us when things became challenging and difficult. The 29th proverb from the Old Testament reminds us, “Where there is no vision the people perish.” Having clearly defined objectives and a vision, inspires, motivates, and strengthens an individual, group or organization.

Third, open and honest communication. From the top down and from the bottom up there needs to be constant and reoccurring communication, instruction, and feedback with complete transparency and honesty. Rather than shy away, I believe most individuals will rise to a challenge, especially if they are sure there is open and honest communications about the difficulty and challenges they are facing. In such situations, I find they rally to their shared vision, round their shoulders and find collaborative and creative solutions to the benefit of all involved. 

Fourth, the team is paramount to achievement. I would not have made the top of Bath Rock without the help from Sam and Mike combined. My role in moving Mike’s feet, being included in the decisions, giving insight from my personal perspective as we climbed, gave me the opportunity to feel included as a valuable and important member of the team. I believe Sam as our leader would not have made the top without the supporting and encouraging role from Mike and I. Lastly, Mike wouldn’t have made the top without Sam and my help as a guide and support. It was a team effort that found success. I’m convinced that the combined achievement of that day was a greater success or reward than if achieved individually. The team achievement was to me the biggest rush.

Fifth, enable the success of others. You’ll never go wrong if you mentor and support those around you to succeed. In that rock climbing experience, Sam’s biggest concern was to ensure that those who followed him made it to the top. Mine and Mike’s biggest concern was to see those leading us, make it to the top. Because of our commitment to help one another succeed, we cheered and encouraged each other, and we indeed found success, or in this case the top. 

Lastly, often all we think about is how wonderful it will be when we finally have “arrived” “succeeded” or “reached the top”. Though it is cliché to say “stop and smell the roses” it still remains true. And honestly, after all these years, I can’t remember what the view even looked like from the top of Bath Rock, but I’ll never forget that climb.

Climbing down, of course, was another story…