Speed be with you

Thursday, February 04, 2010

By Christie Koriakin

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-Hans Florine can climb the nose of Yosemite’s El Capitan faster than anyone in the world.  It’s a line that usually takes three to five days to climb. Florine climbed it in under three hours.

The U.S. National Speed Climbing Champion nine out of 15 years, Florine is admittedly, a bit obsessed with time.

“You and I, and Bill Gates and Donald Trump all have the same bank account when it comes to time,” Florine said. “I have always strived to do things quicker, so I can fit more life in.”

A self-proclaimed pragmatist, he’s constantly calculating the value of how his time is spent. Florine’s Web site lists his times on everything from changing diapers (“on the changing table: 31 seconds, in the field: 52 seconds”) to filling out a Fedex form  (“2 minutes and 39 seconds”).

“But the point is to create more time for those things that I want to do,” he said. “When I make love to my wife, it’s very, very slow.”

He’s certainly made time to win all sorts of accolades in the field of climbing such as three X-games gold medals and the distinction of being one of only three people to solo El Capitan.

Enclosure Anniversary Party featuring Hans Florine is 8 p.m., Friday, at Enclosure, $10. Members and up to two guests are invited for pizza and beer before the presentation from 5 to 8 p.m. 734-9590. All proceeds  benefit the Teton Boulder Project.

PERMALINK:
Speed be with you | Planet JH News Article: Sports & Recreation

Leave a Comment