David Letterman Goes Climbing with Alex Honnold
David Letterman joined Alex Honnold at the Perelman Performing Arts Center in New York City last Thursday for an interview in front of a live audience, discussing “scaling new heights, chasing your dreams, and never looking down.” But first, before all the tired metaphors, the two toproped at Movement Climbing + Fitness in Gowanus. Honnold offered up pointers while Letterman played up the awkward nature of checking someone’s knot (yes, David, we all have crotches) and ate M&Ms from a chalk bag. At 77, Letterman proved he’s as spritely as ever.
None of this is truly new to him, however.
While Honnold said he hoped to teach Letterman a bit of technique, he can’t be credited for a woman’s work: Letterman did a segment on climbing back in 1989 with Lynn Hill (before her paradigm-shattering ascent of the Nose but after becoming a three-time Arco Rockmaster champion). The TV host appeared in a dress shirt and tie, saying “These steps should be bigger!” Impressively, Hill coached Letterman up a short roof section before he said, “I don’t think so!” and let go.
Climbing, Hill pointed out at the time, came from mountaineering. Gym climbing was already a steep departure from its roots, and it has only further metamorphosed during Letterman’s 35 years away. Upon return, the ATC Letterman used was swapped for a Grigri, his tennis shoes swapped for gym rentals, the thin, strappy harness for a padded version. As Letterman’s latest segment demonstrates, climbing is no longer the strange oddity it once was; instead, it’s a relatively safe and fun pastime that can be enjoyed by all, including retirees and geriatrics. Sadly, like Letterman’s age, monthly gym memberships have more than doubled since the original segment with Hill aired (Gowanus charges $135 per month). It’s more expensive than skiing but still cheaper than golf!
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