--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: To be clear, I normally climb with a rope…" description: "\"To be clear, I normally climb with a rope and partner. Free-soloing makes up only a small percentage of my total climbing. But when I do solo, I manage..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/446/alex-honnold-10787_anything_to-be-clear-i-normally-climb-with-a-rope_954968.jpg" --- # To be clear, I normally climb with a rope and partner… ![“To be clear, I normally climb with a rope and partner. Free-soloing makes up only a small percentage of my total climbing. But when I do solo, I manage the risk through careful preparation. I don't solo anything unless I'm sure I can do it.” quote by Alex Honnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/446/alex-honnold-10787_anything_to-be-clear-i-normally-climb-with-a-rope_954968.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/446/alex-honnold-10787_anything_to-be-clear-i-normally-climb-with-a-rope_954968.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/446/alex-honnold-10787_anything_to-be-clear-i-normally-climb-with-a-rope_954968.jpg) > “To be clear, I normally climb with a rope and partner. Free-soloing makes up only a small percentage of my total climbing. But when I do solo, I manage the risk through careful preparation. I don't solo anything unless I'm sure I can do it.” [Alex Honnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-honnold/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He emphasizes meticulous preparation and self‑confidence before attempting any solo climb, treating it as a calculated risk rather than reckless. **In simple terms:** Solo climbing requires careful planning and confidence. Key Takeaway Never solo without certainty. Themes risk management self‑trust mountaineering Mood focused determined Type advisory reflective When to use this quote - preparing routes - training - mental rehearsal - equipment checks Key Concepts psychology of risk skill assessment Questions to Reflect On - How do you assess your limits before a solo? - What mental cues signal readiness? A Different Perspective Even with preparation, unpredictable variables can still cause accidents. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Climbing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/climbing/) [Preparation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/preparation/) ## Related quotes > [Free soloing is just the most natural way man can climb. It's just using your hands and feet without any use of protection or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-potter/free-soloing-is-just-the-most-natural-way-man-can-climb-it-s-just/) [Dean Potter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-potter/) > [The terrible thing about free soloing difficult routes that are within one's capacity, is the chance that faced with ultimate danger and need for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/royal-robbins/the-terrible-thing-about-free-soloing-difficult-routes-that-are/) [Royal Robbins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/royal-robbins/) > [Free soloing is almost as old as climbing itself, with roots in the 19th century. Climbers are continuing to push the boundaries. There are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-honnold/free-soloing-is-almost-as-old-as-climbing-itself-with-roots-in-the/) [Alex Honnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-honnold/) > [Seven years ago, when I started free soloing long, hard routes in Yosemite - climbing without a rope, gear or a partner - I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-honnold/seven-years-ago-when-i-started-free-soloing-long-hard-routes-in/) [Alex Honnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-honnold/) > [I've done routes where I've climbed 200 feet off the ground and just been, like, 'What am I doing?' I then just climbed back…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-honnold/i-ve-done-routes-where-i-ve-climbed-200-feet-off-the-ground-and-just/) [Alex Honnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-honnold/) > [Anything called the Teflon Corner is not sweet for free-soloing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-honnold/anything-called-the-teflon-corner-is-not-sweet-for-free-soloing/) [Alex Honnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-honnold/) > [I wouldn't last 30 minutes climbing solo.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bradford-washburn/i-wouldn-t-last-30-minutes-climbing-solo/) Bradford Washburn > [Everybody free-solos. When you walk to the store, you're free-soloing. It's just a matter of the difficulty of the route.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-bachar/everybody-free-solos-when-you-walk-to-the-store-you-re-free-soloing/) [John Bachar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-bachar/) > [The most beautiful experiences I've had climbing are when everything is simplified. Free soloing is the simplest thing, until you learn to fly or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-potter/the-most-beautiful-experiences-i-ve-had-climbing-are-when-everything/) [Dean Potter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-potter/) > [I generally don't climb something if it makes me feel fear. The beauty of soloing is that there's no pressure - no one's telling…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-honnold/i-generally-don-t-climb-something-if-it-makes-me-feel-fear-the-beauty/) [Alex Honnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-honnold/) > [I like the simplicity of soloing. You've got no gear, no partner. You never climb better than when you free-solo.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-honnold/i-like-the-simplicity-of-soloing-you-ve-got-no-gear-no-partner-you/) [Alex Honnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-honnold/) > [“We cannot climb up a rope that is attached only to our own belt.” William Ernest Hocking”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/al-anon-family-groups/we-cannot-climb-up-a-rope-that-is-attached-only-to-our-own-belt/) [Al-Anon Family Groups](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/al-anon-family-groups/) > [One thing I can't do, and I hope that there are other people out there that feel the same way, is climb a rope.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/katy-perry/one-thing-i-can-t-do-and-i-hope-that-there-are-other-people-out-there/) [Katy Perry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/katy-perry/) > [“Another thing I learned: it’s one thing to climb a rope in gym class. It’s a completely different thing to climb a rope attached…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-riordan/another-thing-i-learned-it-s-one-thing-to-climb-a-rope-in-gym-class/) [Rick Riordan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-riordan/) > [I know I'm not a cutting-edge free climber. Free soloing, I'm comfortable to 5.10-plus or 5.11a. But if I was a grade higher I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-potter/i-know-i-m-not-a-cutting-edge-free-climber-free-soloing-i-m/) [Dean Potter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-potter/) ## More by Alex Honnold > [I think it's great that so many people are enjoying climbing. I've always loved climbing; I don't see why other people wouldn't enjoy it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-honnold/i-think-it-s-great-that-so-many-people-are-enjoying-climbing-i-ve/) [Alex Honnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-honnold/) > [I'm sponsored by the solar company Goal Zero, and they were gracious enough to install panels on my van and a nice battery system…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-honnold/i-m-sponsored-by-the-solar-company-goal-zero-and-they-were-gracious/) [Alex Honnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-honnold/) > [In a general sense, I think it's bad to bring too much money into climbing, since it takes away a little from the beauty…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-honnold/in-a-general-sense-i-think-it-s-bad-to-bring-too-much-money-into/) [Alex Honnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-honnold/) > [I love my climbing shoes. Virtually all of my big solos have been in the TC Pros. They are the most important thing when…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-honnold/i-love-my-climbing-shoes-virtually-all-of-my-big-solos-have-been-in/) [Alex Honnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-honnold/) > [My fantasy breakfast is just a really good egg scramble. Maybe I'll add a little feta, so, uh, obviously not totally dairy-free. Definitely some…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-honnold/my-fantasy-breakfast-is-just-a-really-good-egg-scramble-maybe-i-ll/) [Alex Honnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-honnold/) > [I make a fair amount of my food choices for environmental-type reasons than nutrition or taste. I'm trying to minimize impact, which is something…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-honnold/i-make-a-fair-amount-of-my-food-choices-for-environmental-type/) [Alex Honnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-honnold/) > [We are apes - we should be climbing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-honnold/we-are-apes-we-should-be-climbing/) [Alex Honnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-honnold/) > [I am a vegetarian, and I sort of aspire to vegan-hood. So far I've noticed no difference at all in my climbing, but I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-honnold/i-am-a-vegetarian-and-i-sort-of-aspire-to-vegan-hood-so-far-i-ve/) [Alex Honnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-honnold/) > [I took a test once; they said I was a genius.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-honnold/i-took-a-test-once-they-said-i-was-a-genius/) [Alex Honnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-honnold/) > [At the crux of Half Dome, at the very top of the wall, imagine, like, a smooth wall of rock - a nearly vertical…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-honnold/at-the-crux-of-half-dome-at-the-very-top-of-the-wall-imagine-like-a/) [Alex Honnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-honnold/) > [I generally don't climb something if it makes me feel fear. The beauty of soloing is that there's no pressure - no one's telling…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-honnold/i-generally-don-t-climb-something-if-it-makes-me-feel-fear-the-beauty/) [Alex Honnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-honnold/) > [I know that when I'm standing alone below a thousand-foot wall, looking up and considering a climb, my sponsors are the furthest thing from…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-honnold/i-know-that-when-i-m-standing-alone-below-a-thousand-foot-wall/) [Alex Honnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-honnold/) > [Pretty much every gym I go into, I feel very comfortable. I dump my stuff, take my shoes off, do my thing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-honnold/pretty-much-every-gym-i-go-into-i-feel-very-comfortable-i-dump-my/) [Alex Honnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-honnold/) > [I often joke that I've just become a professional schmoozer. Like, nobody cares how well I can rock climb anymore. It just has to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-honnold/i-often-joke-that-i-ve-just-become-a-professional-schmoozer-like/) [Alex Honnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-honnold/) > [I've walked away from more climbs than I can count, just because I sensed that things were not quite right.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-honnold/i-ve-walked-away-from-more-climbs-than-i-can-count-just-because-i/) [Alex Honnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-honnold/) [Explore all 63 Alex Honnold quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-honnold/) ## More Anything quotes > [I guess I've never really wanted to be anything else. 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Getting people that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sisqo/you-know-i-m-from-baltimore-nobody-has-anything-when-somebody-had/) [Sisqo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sisqo/) > [I said to my agent, 'I want short, sharp, well-paid jobs because I haven't got time for anything else.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billie-whitelaw/i-said-to-my-agent-i-want-short-sharp-well-paid-jobs-because-i-haven/) [Billie Whitelaw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billie-whitelaw/) > [I think anything that anyone writes thats any good is going to have a lot of autobiography.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-adly-guirgis/i-think-anything-that-anyone-writes-thats-any-good-is-going-to-have-a/) [Stephen Adly Guirgis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-adly-guirgis/) > [If the Bible is correct, and the Earth is only 6,000 years old, that means there were no dinosaurs, and museum curators have been…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ron-shock/if-the-bible-is-correct-and-the-earth-is-only-6-000-years-old-that/) [Ron Shock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ron-shock/) > [Don't do anything drastic like getting your eyebrows tattooed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/greta-lee/don-t-do-anything-drastic-like-getting-your-eyebrows-tattooed/) [Greta Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/greta-lee/) > [Whenever you define family as anything other than a man and a woman married together, you have just introduced an ethical nightmare.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tony-evans/whenever-you-define-family-as-anything-other-than-a-man-and-a-woman/) [Tony Evans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tony-evans/) > [No lusting after your neighbor's house - or wife or servant or maid or ox or donkey. Don't set your heart on anything that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/moses/no-lusting-after-your-neighbor-s-house-or-wife-or-servant-or-maid-or/) [Moses](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/moses/) Browse all 9,437 Anything quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "To be clear, I normally climb with a rope and partner. Free-soloing makes up only a small percentage of my total climbing. But when I do solo, I manage the risk through careful preparation. 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