Climbing
Free climber David Lama gives us his thoughts on his National Geographic nomination...
Why do you think National Geographic nominated you for their Adventurer of the Year award? The most obvious answer would be my successful first free climbing ascent of Cerro Torre after three years of trying. But personally I believe it’s because of the dream that I’ve been living for more than half my life. I wasn’t even a teenager when I found out that I wanted to dedicate my life to climbing. And basically ever since I’ve been living the dream, and the adventure is far from over.
What is your favourite spot in the mountains? It’s really hard to name just one, as there are so many different places that are really unique. If I had to name the coolest spot I’ve been to, it would probably be the summit of Cerro Torre. It consists only of rime ice that the Patagonian winds keep forming year by year. I was lucky enough to be on the summit twice but the first time my partner, Peter [Ortner], and I made it up there was an unforgettable moment: the sun had already set behind the inland icecap and the light made this stunning location even more beautiful.
Have there been any local customs that have surprised you during your travels around the world? There wasn’t a particular custom that surprised me but actually the friendliness and humility of the local people who are satisfied with whatever they have and are still willing to give. This attitude has changed my western way of thinking in a positive way.
What is your biggest fear? Fear comes with uncertainty, something that makes you aware of a potential danger. In alpine climbing or especially when doing a first ascent, you’ve got to take risks sometimes but you have to take a lot of different things into consideration and plan every step wisely. You have to know when it’s 'safe' to take risks and when it’s smarter to sit back. The first time I went a step too far was during the first ascent of 'Desperation of the North Face' with my Dutch friend and climbing partner, Jorg Verhoeven, back in 2008. I miscalculated a point and I was lucky I didn’t get hurt during the 25-metre fall.
Voting for the 2013 People's Choice Adventurer of the Year ends on January 16, 2013. Visit ngadventure.com to have your say.
.png)
