Royal Robbins | Credit: Pat Ament Wikimedia | License
Royal Robbins, a legendary rock climber who helped define the rules of engagement for the sport, died on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at the age of 82.
Robbins made his mark on the world of rock climbing, taking his shots at famed Yosemite sites like Sentinel Rock and El Capitan – part of his allure fell into the way in which he climbed, often using cheap tools and footwear to achieve the impossible.
Born in 1935, Robbins grew up in Southern California much like most other working-class children spending segmented years between trailer parks before learning how to climb in the early 1950s. His first tackle was Tahquitz, a granite crag that includes nearly featureless sections across its routes and is notorious for loose rock on its North Side. His daring first run would be a testament to his audacious achievements in the future, which struck awe in his followers.
One of his most famous ascents was on El Capitan when he successfully made the second ascent after Warren Harding made his first, which took Harding 18 months of fixed rope planning, 125 metal bolts and a final 47-day push to the top in 1958. Robbin’s ascent only took him 7 days.
His 20 plus year career in rock climbing saw him break barriers and change the way the sport was played, being ever so daring and incredibly fearless.
His achievements include ascents on Sentinal Rock, Tahquitz, Open Book, Steck-Salathé and El Capitan and he frequented Yosemite National Park for his adventures.
SOURCES:
Duane, Dan. “Obituary: Royal Robbins (1935–2017).” Outside Online. Outside Magazine, 15 Mar. 2017. Web. 17 Mar. 2017. <https://www.outsideonline.com/2165441/royal-robbins-obituary?utm_source=facebook>.
Miller, C., comp. “Tahquitz & Suicide Rocks.” Mountain Project. REI, 19 Jan. 2006. Web. 17 Mar. 2017. <https://www.mountainproject.com/v/tahquitz–suicide-rocks/105788020>.
“Royal Robbins.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Mar. 2017. Web. 17 Mar. 2017. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Robbins>.
Base Camp Magazine 
I had no idea Robbins had died. I’m very sad to hear it, will do some writing about him (met him in the 1970’s) and cite you. No doubt there’s been some writing about him, any pieces you recommend?
LikeLike
Hi Rich, yes, sadly he passed away. If you do write something, feel free to cite us. It would be a pleasure. There was a quite a bit of coverage. I recommend the cited articles below this piece, although the were from past coverage while he was alive, I believe.
For coverage of his death, I think you’d like this NY Times piece which called him the conscience of climbing. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/15/sports/royal-robbins-dead-mountain-climber.html?_r=0
Also this one from the Adventure Journal: https://www.adventure-journal.com/2017/03/climbing-pioneer-royal-robbins-dies-age-82/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Read both of those and many more. Am scanning some images (from his books and from Sheridan Anderson’s cartoon book (Anderson illustrated Basic and Advanced Rockcraft). Robbins had a huge effect on my life, both as a climber and as a person.
LikeLike
The way you speak of him shows your respect and admiration for him. If you ever would like to write a piece about him and/or your experiences with him or how he changed your life as a guest post on Base Camp Magazine, visit our contact page. We’d love to publish something like this. https://basecampmag.wordpress.com/contact/
LikeLiked by 1 person
You replied to this comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds good!
LikeLike
Pingback: Remembering Royal Robbins | Richard's Notes·
Took me a while but I got the post up. It may need some tinkering (feel free to give me feedback): https://richardsnotes.org/2017/05/19/remembering-royal-robbins/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Will do. Currently on the road, as soon as we get back, we will be reading it. Thanks!!
LikeLiked by 1 person