CLimbing with ETHAN PRINGLE in Thailand
It has truly been quite some time since I returned to Thailand, and Tonsai. Considering that I lived there for four whole years, it honestly feels like a completely different life from the one I live now. I am incredibly grateful for all the growth and transformation that I have experienced during that period — it certainly did not come from nothing. However, when I first arrived back, I did not really find a flow. It was great to reconnect with some aspects of Thailand once again and to see some familiar faces after all those years apart. But let’s be honest, the climbing routes are pretty worn down, and the hot, humid conditions can be quite overwhelming most of the time. The scenery is undeniably beautiful, stunning, and amazing, but if you want to push your limits and climb hard, it is not the best environment you would choose. You really need to go for the full experience that Asia has to offer.
I stayed in Ao Nang in my ex-partner's Thai house, it was nice to sleep on the floor and it reminded me of how things used to be. Cruising around the roads and markets on the scooter was great.
I shooted a new Multipitch which was bolted by Dakota Walz on Ao Nang tower. Was fun to rigg up a 100 m static rope taking the Kajak to the start of the route. Linking 2 pitches on lead on a new multipitch with all the gear and the camera was slighlty challenging. Easy climbing but chossy rock. Super fun with those guys!
I also started climbing with Steve Townshead, who has been endeavoring to conquer Greed (8c+) ever since. This is how I first met Ethan Pringle, Bree Frames, Evan Wisheropp, and the lovely Amanda. I took some photos of Steve and I asked Ethan if he wants to wear my pink tights for a change, and he went sure why not.
They truly saved my trip, as we connected pretty quickly, all being slightly eccentric in our own ways. There was a memorable moment when Ethan almost — or maybe actually did — ground himself while bree was simply too light to belay. He landed safely in the sand. We began climbing and shooting together, sharing so many good times. Climbing with Ethan was such a positive experience; he is not only very humble but also incredibly supportive in the climbing community. We hung out for two weeks, so I moved back into a bungalow with Bree. We had amazing conversations about photography, and I genuinely enjoyed every moment we spent together.
Despite the aweful conditions, we made the most of our time by enjoying coconut coffee, multipitches, and nighttime climbs, having an absolute blast. Carrying Bree back home on my shoulders on our last night out is a moment I will remember. I feel so grateful for those memories we created and truly hope our paths cross again in the future.
So all in all it was a great trip with lots of fun and nice moments to share.
Who knows when I will be back in Thailand. Let`s see. Many places to discover still.
Come to Kalymnos Californian gang:)
#Tonsai #Thailand #climbing #EthanPringle #Marmot #touchstoneclimbing #mountainhardware #madrockclimbing #frictionlabs #dmm_wales