An Ode to the Female Climber

A few years ago I had the pleasure of hanging out with Lynn Hill in Potrero Chico, Mexico. She walked into the communal space at Homero’s campground and immediately came over to our table and introduced herself and her young son Owen.

My friend Gri-gri and I were a bit taken aback – the best female climber on earth had just spoken to us! We spluttered and stared but eventually got over the shock, had a great conversation, monkeyed around with Owen, and hung out with the both of them over the next week.

The author and Lynn Hill in Potrero Chico

What struck me most about Lynn was how well she balanced all aspects of her life: conscientious mom, fun party girl, climbing spokesperson, mentor, socialite, female icon and hard-core climber. (She floated the 5.13 project I had been working all week. Sigh.) Not to mention the fact that she’s stunning! (Despite only being 5.0′ tall, her icy blue eyes, sun-glazed skin, and confident demeanor will force you to stand straighter, brush the chalk from your hands and smile large.)

It was around that time I realized female rock climbers are the most beautiful women on the planet. They’re strong, confident and athletic with the mental fortitude that comes from participating in a sport with high consequences. And they have beautifully-defined arms. Mmmm. Arms.

Many people don’t realize but females are naturally better rock climbers than men. Their lower center of gravity, sense of balance and flexibility ensure an ease of flow on most every climb. Sure, guys can gorilla their way up any wall but it’s women who make the sport graceful, alluring and well-worth getting to the crag as often as possible.

Below is Dean Fidelman’s photographic ode to the most beautiful women on Earth. Thank you all for adding a sense of the divine to a sport that I love.

- By Vince Hempsall