I'm Getting Too Old For This

[Dean Lofthouse]

So at what point do we retire?

 

I'm 43 and although I still work as good as I ever did and climb as good, there are a few niggles, and aches appearing.

 

I have even wondered how long I have got left climbing, I don't or wouldn't want to be climbing big trees at fifty. I think when I get to fifty I will start to pick and choose my jobs and go more into firewood production.

 

How many grandads have we got out there?

[MasterBlaster]

I wish I was 43!

[Quickthorn]

I'm 45 now, and haven't climbed for about 3 years. It was the combination of LOLER and the insurance hike that stopped me climbing, because it just wasn't worth it where I was living. Now insurance is better, and prices seem to be a bit higher, I'm not tempted back into aerial work because I am starting to feel middle aged now. If I went back, I'm sure I'd get tired of it pretty quickly. I enjoyed a lot of the climbing I did, but I also remember the pain in the ar$e jobs that seemed to go wronger and wronger as the day wore on.

 

I think 40 is a bit of a turning point for a lot of people. I know a fair few who reach that age, then take on a younger climber and concentrate on running the business, or pack it completely for a desk job.

[Dean Lofthouse]

I do find my walking stick an advantage, being able to hook it over the odd branch to aid stabilty while branch walking.

[Deb]

We've got a guy who does some work on our site occasionally and he's nearly 65, but shows no sign of stopping!

 

Hope I'm the same at that age!!

[Steve Bullman]

whats his name deb?

[kevwrenn]

a few years ago, while a student i did the pole climb atb newark show. it was my first time on spikes and it took me about 5 mins for the 25 metres, i dont mind admitting i was well knackered when i got to the top. there was a guy competing who was in his early 70s i think, and it took him 45 seconds, not only that but he was a really nice bloke too. when the other climbers had gone, he hung around to encourage me to the top. (i wasnt competing by the way, just fancied a go!). this was about five years ago, so i was in my early 30s. I am now coming up to 38 and have only just started climbing full time so please dont put me off by talking about getting old!!!!!

[Deb]

whats his name deb?

 

Ted Powell

[Mac McLennan]

Well fella's I'm 49 on the 26th of this month ....so don't forget my pressies:proud:.

 

I attended a City & Guilds course (Merrist Wood) at the young age of 40 when Jack Kenyon was there.

 

Prior to that I had 22 years in the Royal Marines mostly climbing and skiing in a mountain and arctic warfare unit.

 

This contributed towards my hips being replaced at the age of 41. I still climb about 50% of the jobs I do...... ....and always do the dodgy ones.

 

IT'S BETTER TO BURN OUT - THAN TO FADE AWAY

[RC0]

pecontools, A scene from War of the Worlds perhaps?

 

Remind me not to lend you any of my gear:corkysm21:, what happened?