Friday, October 10, 2008 Renowned rock climber hits Toledo’s routes
PROMOTING the sport he loves best and giving the Department of Tourism a hand in their “Adventure Philippines” campaign, professional rock climber Chris Lindner recently visited in Toledo City to check its climbing routes and to shoot a video for Philippine tourism.
In Lindner’s three-day visit to Cebu City, not only did he help the country in its tourism campaign but he also helped the local Cebuano climbers by sharing his expertise.
After his climb in Toledo City along with local climbers, Lindner was impressed by the climbing locations and believes that it is one of the best in the country.
“Cebu has the best rock climbing sites in the Philippines,” Lindner said in an interview by Sun.Star Cebu yesterday.
Lindner, 24 years old, started rock climbing at three when he was introduced to the sport by his parents, Tom and Elke, who are also rock climbers.
The San Diego native impressed a lot of people when he was featured in the cover of magazines at the age of four and already had a sponsor at the age of six.
Best sites
Lindner was then paid to climb at 16 years old and he had traveled all around the world searching for the best climbing sites.
Lindner believes rock climbing is not about competition but it’s about the climber and routes.
“It’s not about competition. It’s an individual sport. It’s you against the rock,” said Lindner, who also surfs in his spare time.
Lindner also assured that the sport is extremely safe.
“It’s a misconception about rock climbing. In fact it’s one of the safest sports out there. I haven’t broken a single bone in my body since I started climbing,” said the 24-year old climber.
After his tour in the Philippines, Lindner will be heading to Indonesia to promote Sanuk Sandals and will then be flying to Singapore to compete in a rock climbing tournament. (EKA)
