“So, is that a lifestyle? I think it’s a life”: An examination of a climbing lifestyle and how it affects perceptions towards natural environment.

Abstract

In recent years, the activity of climbing, with its range of types and styles, has become popular. Up to now, it has been often associated with risk and inaccessibility. Nowadays, this association is changing. The perception of climbing is shifting towards a more accessible, and attractive sport/ activity. This thesis explores the attitude of rock climbers towards nature, specifically, environmental protection. The necessity of the research is clear due to the fact that the pure form of climbing takes part in nature. Theory drawn from the fields of climbing and ecology are presented and combined together in connection with qualitative research carried out in Canada. In this thesis I argue that climbers create deep connection between themselves and the nature through embodied practices performed in natural environment. This connection is crucial in understanding climbers’ perception towards ecology and protection of natural environment.