Mountaineers Books
This April 16 we welcome Jeff Smoot, author of Hangdog Days, for a presentation on the world of climbing in the 1970's and 80's!
Hangdog Days, published by Mountaineers Books, chronicles the era when rock climbing exploded in popularity, attracting a new generation of talented climbers eager to reach new heights via harder routes and faster ascents. This contentious, often humorous period gave rise to sport climbing, climbing gyms, and competitive climbing, indelibly changing the culture of the sport and transforming it into what we know today.
One of those young climbers, writer and photographer Jeff Smoot, traces the development over time of traditional climbing “rules,” enforced first through peer pressure, then later through intimidation and sabotage. In the late ’70s, several climbers began introducing new tricks, including “hangdogging”- hanging on gear to practice moves - which were considered cheating by the old guard.
As more climbers broke ranks with traditional style, this new gymnastic approach pushed the limits of climbing from 5.12 to 5.13. When French climber Jean-Baptiste Tribout ascended the 5.14a To Bolt or Not to Be at Smith Rock in 1986, he broke a barrier previously thought to be impenetrable. John Bachar, Todd Skinner, Ray Jardine, Lynn Hill, Mark Hudon, Tony Yaniro, Alan Watts, and others star in this lively period of the sport.
Join us at our Seattle Program Center as Jeff presents a fascinating slide show of vintage images and personal stories, alongside the historical events of the era.
Experience Hangdog Days
Date: April 16, 2019
Location: The Seattle Program Center
Doors: 6pm
Show: 7pm
General Admission | $7
Mountaineers Members | $5
At the Door | $7
Mountaineers Members receive $2 off the general admission ticket price. Visit The Mountaineers Event Promotional Code Page to redeem your promo code.
