The Nugget Climbing Podcast
EP 106: Hans Florine — Speed Climbing on ‘The Nose’, Big Wall Tips, and the Evolution of Speed Climbing Competitions
14 Feb 2022
Hans Florine has held the speed record on ‘The Nose’ on El Capitan 8 separate times. He has climbed the route 112 times, with 100+ people. He loves ‘The Nose’ so much, he wrote a book about it. We talked about winning the first International Speed Climbing Championships in 1991, his earliest ascents of El Cap, top 3 big wall efficiency tips, and the value of doing hard things.Check out PhysiVantage:physivantage.com (link includes 15% off coupon)Use code "NUGGET15" at checkout for 15% off your next order!Check out Crimpd!crimpd.comOr download the Crimpd app! (Available for iOS and Android)We are supported by these amazing BIG GIVERS:Bryan Fast, Leo Franchi, Michael Roy, David Lahaie, Robert Freehill, Jeremiah Johnson, and Scott DonahueBecome a Patron:patreon.com/thenuggetclimbingShow Notes: thenuggetclimbing.com/episodes/hans-florineNuggets:0:05:29 – Why Hans uses “exacting time” to schedule things, and respecting other people’s time0:11:24 – Being a chameleon when traveling0:12:52 – 182 laps up El Cap, and 112 ascents on ‘The Nose’0:14:37 – Hans’ first speed climbing World Cups, and the first climbing World Championship in Frankfurt, Germany in 19910:24:34 – How European culture shaped Hans’ perception, and receiving international recognition for holding the speed record on ‘The Nose’0:27:55 – Patron question from Ana: What are Hans’ thoughts on the evolution of speed climbing competitions, and different formats?0:34:37 – Hans’ first trip up El Cap via the Salathe in 19860:41:09 – His first failed attempt on ‘The Nose’, and going for the speed record with Steve “Shipoopoi” Schneider0:48:15 – Hans’ favorite Peter Croft story0:50:37 – A question from Craig DeMartino, and what it is about ‘The Nose’ that captivates Hans0:54:02 – Some failure stories on ‘The Nose’0:57:57 – How the Stove Legs got their name, and the haul cart with wheels1:02:05 – Wrapping up the story of the first speed record with Steve Schneider1:06:40 – Developing an obsession with the speed record on ‘The Nose’1:12:16 – Biggest logistical and tactical improvements in speed climbing ‘The Nose’1:19:04 – Writing the book on speed climbing, and going for the speed record with Alex Honnold1:25:51 – Patron question from Christoph: Top 3 tricks for being efficient on a big wall route?1:34:09 – The Tom Frost story, and how much water to bring on a big wall1:37:12 – Hans’ perspective on the current record on ‘The Nose’1:45:53 – How fast can The Nose be climbed?1:48:03 – Will Hans try for the speed record again?1:48:40 – Patron question from Henry: Has Hans’ attitude toward speed climbing changed after his accident? Does speed climbing become less sensible as one gets older?1:56:25 – A question from Hazel Findlay, and the award Hans would give her1:58:04 – Hans thoughts on free climbing El Cap, and an argument for climbing ‘The Nose’ “as free as can be”2:04:49 – Hans’ time focused on onsighting in the 80s and 90s2:08:55 – 8a.nu and plans for his time in the Red River Gorge, Kentucky2:11:15 – Takeaways from climbing ‘The Nose’ with more than 100 different people2:13:22 – Who has affected Hans most in his climbing2:16:27 – A message from Craig DeMartino2:17:50 – Patron question from Craig: Who is your greatest non-climbing influence and why?2:19:31 – Ryan Reynolds2:20:14 – Doing hard things, and the DHT Challenge2:22:41 – Applying manufacturing experiences to climbing2:24:34 – How Hans is making a living now with construction2:26:31 – How to connect with Hans, and more about the DHT Challenge2:31:17 – What Hans is excited about right now2:32:20 – What is next for Hans Florine
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