My first reaction to the news that a 13-year-old kid is aiming to become the youngest ever to climb Mt. Everest? It’s pretty simple:
You’re supposed to wait until after you graduate Dartmouth to become a extroverted narcissistic orthodontist.
Fortunately, my second reaction was much more thoughtful, much more compassionate. It took into account the real-world impacts that a successful summit might have on this kid. It clearly cares about his future:
Climbing Mt. Everest when you’re 13 would be kind of like having sex with Jessica Simpson when you’re 13. Yeah, it’s technically possible, but wouldn’t that really just set the bar too high for the rest of your life?
Jordan Romero, 13, is currently at Everest Base Camp and twittering (http://twitter.com/TeamJordanR). His tweets are about gear, weather patterns, and the general scene at the foot of the 29,029-foot peak. This morning he sent a tweet-out challenge to his middle school homies to go without soda and junk food for as long as he’s in the field. And, like every budding PR man, he’s re-tweeting his Today Show coverage.
As with any mountain pursuit, there are several risk and reward equations surrounding Jordan Romero’s Everest attempt. The first is an obvious one that has to do with survival and the impacts of high altitude oxygen deficits on a growing boy–but there’s a less obvious one as well. The one that’s about the future marketability of a young icon. The one that’s about the money.
If Jordan Romero makes it home in one piece–which of course we all hope and pray that he does–he’ll undoubtedly pick up a string of media coverage, get a seat on Jay Leno, and maybe even get a book deal or two. Hopefully, he’ll parlay his 15 minutes of fame into a long, and adequately sponsored life of poking around in the world’s most spectacular places.
But if he doesn’t make it, if he loses five fingers finger to frostbite like other “youngest climbers” trying to summit Everest, or if he’s the unlucky 1-in-30 who dies every time they attempt the peak, the bonanza of post-Jordan media coverage is destined to be a shitstorm so huge that it’ll make Aron Ralston an obscure footnote in the annals of P.M.S. (poor mountaineering skills).
Because the only thing that attracts more flies than a mountaineering tragedy is a failure in parenting. Add them together. Mix vigorously. Serve cold.
Romero is no rookie to climbing. He climbed Denali at 12. Aconcagua at 11. And Kilimanjaro at 10. When I was 10, my mom was still trying to keep me away from sharp objects and too much clam dip.
He has openly proclaimed his goal to be the youngest person ever to climb the highest peak on every continent. He’s already bagged five of the seven, and I have nothing but huge respect for the kid’s accomplishments, as well as for his overdeveloped cojones.
Jordan Romero’s parents, on the other hand, will not be receiving a Christmas card from me this year.
The dad and his girlfriend will be Jordan Romero’s guides and his only support team on Everest for the ascent. The pair are widely known as “veteran adventure racers,” though their propensity for wearing Buffs, Lycra shorts and big bumper sandals is not currently known to me. They’ve chosen to take a Chinese route to the summit, primarily so they can dodge the Khumbu Icefall, but also because there’s no age requirement. This attempt will be both of their first times on Everest.
Some professional guides have expressed their dismay to Jordan Romero’s presence on the mountain. Not because they feel that it’s good, bad, or sideways ethically…but because they know for a fact that if a 13 year old needs a rescue on Everest, they’re going to have to provide it, potentially putting themselves and their clients at risk.
Full disclosure: I’m a father, too. I want my kids to be outdoor kids with all the strength and confidence that goes along with it. And I get the idea of pushing the comfort zone of children as much as anybody, probably far more than the average American (though probably a tiny bit less than the daycare center dads at the Climber’s Ranch).
But I also get the idea of being a parent. Sacking up to say no is a hell of a lot harder than self-righteous kid-free DINKs can ever know. And though it frequently comes with a giant “I’m a Douchebag” tattoo on your forehead, there’s no doubt in my mind that sometimes it’s the only thing to do.
There is a line in the parenting sand. There is an actual point when you stop nurturing a child’s development and you’ve entered into a different place. A stupid and dangerous place. A place that has shadows of Andre Agassi’s dad duct-taping paddles to his hands and forcing him to defend himself, and even darker shadows of Jon Benet Ramsey thrown in. We’ve seen parent-driven hyper-sexualized and hyper-athleticized. Now we’re getting hyper-outdoorized.
Launching an arms race to be the “youngest ever” to climb Mt. Everest sets a terrible precedent. While I hope that Jordan Romero nails it and cashes in, the dots are clearly connected from here to a tragic ending for some kid, somewhere. And when it happens, it’s going to be bad for climbing, bad for the sport, and bad for our collective soul.
Jordan Romero’s stated goal is that he wants to use his summit attempt to spread the gospel of outdoor enjoyment to a younger generation. And while that is an actual marketing goal, it strikes me as a Teflon tagline that nobody in the world could ever disagree with.
Moreover, achieving that actual objective is as much in doubt as a 13 year old reaching summit of Everest. It might not rally millions of kids to the trails and rivers. It might not promote the incremental and diverse joys of the outdoors. It might just reinforce our kids addiction to celebrity culture and pie-in-the-sky goal setting. And it might be a tragedy, pure and simple.
Good luck, Jordan.
Contributor Drew Simmons is the owner of Pale Morning Media, an outdoor industry public relations agency, and operator of Wicked Outdoorsy blog. This is his first story for The Adventure Life.
Photos via www.jordanromero.com.
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{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve truly become indifferent to Everest’s role as icon of achievement. The first thing that comes to mind is not some one’s techincal skill, determination or even courage, it’s “wow, they must have some serious cash”. Which is kind of shame because it’s still an accomplishment.
That being said, I agree with Drew. If we wanted to, we could train an 8 year old sherpa kid to get up to the top and down safely and eventually they would. I wonder what happens when you put a 13 year old in a situation to rescue his fellow climbers or if another team needs help. As a 13 year old, would you have the presence to give up your own quest to help others? Is this what they are avoiding by taking the Chinese route?
Either way, I don’t wish any harm to come to this kid or climbing team. As mentioned above, Everest is once again coming into the spotlight and to quote an article from about 15 years ago: “eventually we’re going to by hammered by stories about the first left-handed, Tanazanian, cross-eyed climber on Everest, climbing for peace/end world hunger/sponsored by Wal*Mart and the tipping point will come and no one will care. Everest will then slowly, hopefully, revert back to the majesty and reverence it deserves”.
This is what is wrong with Alpine climbing nowadays – it’s 100% Mountain Tourism.
Anyway – it’s not that big of a deal having a 13 yr old climb Everest when out of shape doctors do it all day
“Launching an arms race to be the “youngest ever” to climb Mt. Everest sets a terrible precedent.”
This was the first thing I thought about a few weeks back when this story surfaced. Everest is not to be toyed with like some foolish Guinness record or as concept for the next reality show.
This kid apparently has real mountaineering skills. But one would think his support team would have more. Not sure that’s the case here. Should the weather cooperate and everything work out as the mountain gods want it to, he’ll be back down and chatting with Matt Lauer before school gets out. Let’s hope for that.
As you point out Drew, and James, let’s not hope this creates a false sense of do-ability regarding Everest. Chad Kellogg is attempting a solo speed attempt, sans O2 of course. I fear what may come next.
Though it is valid to be concerned about kids doing things ‘too young’ just to have a record and while some are no longer impressed with Everest, it’s unfair to dismiss this kid that way. He is climbing the 7 peaks (the tallest mountain on each continent, though there are 2 in Australia depending on which chart you go by. They have climbed both to cover each). This is his 7th summit of the 7 (really 8). He has already done all of the others. Only Antarctica is left. That’s not just a tourist walk up Everest. They also have chosen the more difficult route for the Everest climb. How about trying to give the kid some support?
I agree with the general content of this post. It is hard to be a parent, especially when it comes to things or experiences that you may think are worth the risk, but the rest of the world doesn’t… and a 13 year old kid certainly can’t judge for themselves.
I do have a problem with your Jessica Simpson analogy though. She is 30 years old! Isn’t the idea of a 13 year old sleeping with a 30 year-old DISTURBING rather than “setting the bar too high”? If we were talking about a 13 year old girl bagging a 30 year old man would she be getting high-fives or put on the stand as a witness against the creep?
I think 13 is probably too young, but you have to admit, he’s got guts.
Drew, I couldn’t agree more. I do think he’s an amazing, unusually driven kid, but his parents are not doing their job.
Well, how about giving the kid a big thumbs up for having goals no matter how big. Most kids, and I know a little about kids, I transport 71 of them to school and back home every day, are busy playing vidio games and over eating on junk food, Heck, most of them can’t even carry on a conversation, thanks to texting. Jordan on the other hand is LEARNING something, it’s called education folks, about numerous things like culture, technology, actually seeing what other kids read about, or are supposed to. He’s learning things on the Big “E” college kids won’t learn ever about life skills —- like how to make a decision in a tense situation and stand by it. I guess he is getting the chance to learn what we have lost in the country —— hard work pays off. And as far as his “bad” parents go all I can say is “what a line of crap you people spread”. If we had more parents like his we wouldn’t have kids dying everyday, yes, everyday in the hospital of drug overdoses.
So, to you people that don’t think Jordan climbing the big “E” is acceptable practice, seeing he does have some mountaineering skills, and you wonder if he would pitch in to help resque someone else. I’ll bet my life on it that he would, cause he is not your everyday run of the mill 13 year old.
All these “professional” guides are just ticked off that they didn’t get a piece of the pie, like 62,000 dollars piece of the pie, from the Romeros. When they get this done, you will all have to eat crow!
Jessica Simpson?
Really?
Maybe Jessica Beil…
I’m with J.
Childhood obesity is at over 25% and we’ve got a nation full of parents who don’t hesitate to haul them off to McDonalds for a happy meal without ever considering the risks. The average kid now watches more than 7 hours of TV or video games every day. Not only are these kids guaranteed to shorten their lives they’re also guaranteed to have a very poor quality of life while their still breathing.
Jordon is not your ordinary kid, and you can be certain his parents have calculated the risks. He doesn’t live in an ordinary family, Paul and Karen have been among the worlds elite Adventure Racers for more than a decade with many podium finishes in the most gruelling sport imaginable. most adventure races are 7 to 10 days with almost no sleep, racing flat out and still being required to accurately navigate through the most remote places imaginable on little or no sleep. With little mountaineering experience aside from the 7 they climbed in the last two years and having exceptional technical climbing skills honed from years of climbing.
These are extraordinary people and no you should not try this at home or leave home for Tibet to try it either. I’m not really sure how we get to sit around and watch a family that is fully engaged, has been travelling around the globe for the past 3 years giving their kid the most unbelievable experiences possible and decide that they’ve crossed some line. It’s dangerous, no question, but so is leaving your 13 year old kid home alone after school fooling around with his girlfriend. Unless of course he’s one of the 25% of kids that have spent there lives eating fast food and playing video games in the basement, because they probably don’t know any girls anyway.
I think that for anyone to judge this kids ability to react to a serious situation without knowing him personally is a very poor judgment. I have met seasoned climbers who are in their late 40’s or 50’s that I would not trust with my life and then people as young as 16 years old who I think have a better head on them for rescue situation. Also in agreement with J. Wager there are so many issues facing youth today that to see even one more of them out there with a goal set and aspirations to do something more than beat the next level on his video game is great.
And for everyone saying what the F**CK is wrong with Jordan’s parents I think you need to step back and realize what great opportunities they are allowing their son. He is getting an education in the real world and discovering other cultures and landscapes far greater than he would be allowed to in any classroom. And mixed in with all of this he is obviously learning a thing or two about the working world and how to create media coverage, build a personal brand and image; which is something that many business people of today are clueless about. Along with all of this they obviously feel that the choices that they have made are acceptable and so far they have proven to be safe and responsible decisions. How many of you can say the same things for all of your parenting decisions; not taking your kids to McDonald’s or buying them a video game instead of a soccer ball.
I think the only real questions that need to be asked of this trip are how will the higher altitudes affect the motor abilities of the young body and mind, and does their route choice and lack of knowledge of the mountain raise any concern? As for the first part aside from scientific information which I am sure there is plenty of it out there I think a reasonable judgment can be made from his summit of Aconcagua 3 years ago. Along with this I am sure that he is in much better condition for a summit than many of the people who simply just pay their way up the mountain through a guide service.
Tom T
You have said what I have wanted to say the last few months! Kudos – you obviously know Paul, Karen, & Le Ann as we do. If any of you naysayers had ever personally met Jordan and his family, you would recognize if anybody could accomplish these goals – it is this group!
Bad for the soul? Hyper outdoorized??? Is that possible?? It wasn’t long ago that’s all we had. And the opposite is killing us. References to kids who were ‘forced’ to do stuff. Gross. Jordan made a decision, set a goal, is smart kid who is smart enough to know he’s surrounded by an amazing team. He went for it, and is damn near done having done the ‘impossible.” How many adults are capable of that. Age is just a number…Age-old and yet as true as ever. Wow.
I’m with J and Tom. I too know Jordan, Paul and Karen. And they’re down to earth adventurers who push limits. In this day in age of mediocrity-that-makes-me-sick-to-my-stomach, its amazing to me that one would take the time to question the judgments of those (few) who are not among those adding to the ultimate downfall of the entire planet (shame on you for referencing that what they’re doing might.) If not for those who push the limits what would this world be? (The movie Idiocrisy comes to mind more and more these days.) Especially those who are making calculated smart decisions when doing so. Jordan is keeping the physical and mental survival spirit alive and this world needs it. Setting the bar high too soon?? There are a million and one things to conquer and challenge the spirit with on this planet…and from my own experience…overcoming one (and each subsequent one) humbles me to realize and respect what it takes to attempt and conquer others…but more importantly…opens additional doors to what’s possible…gives absolute tangibility to the notion that possibilities truly are endless and breeds an inherent drive to want to make the most out of every last second I’m lucky enough to be alive.
Jordan’s only just begun.
Go Team Jordan!!
This post is out of place and out of character on this site. It’s not journalism – it’s a rant, and a cheap one at that. Both Backpacker and Outside have written balanced, researched features on Jordan Romero: http://outside.away.com/outside/culture/201004/jordan-romero-teenager-extreme-adventure-everest-1.html
http://www.backpacker.com/september-2009-higher-education-should-13-year-old-jordan-romero-climb-everest/articles/13271 Those stories were written after lengthy research and quality time spent with Jordan and his family. Before casting stones at Jordan or his parents take some time to learn more about them.
This post is written by someone who has never met Jordan or his parents. This is a complicated issue to be sure, and everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, but I just expect to read a higher quality of journalism here, not a diatribe by a PR guy.
Wow, nothing ’sells’ like Mount Everest, eh? I think your comparison to Jennifer Simpson (Biels? – huh? I have no clue who either one is) – might be a bit off; It will be like a Chinese pianist prodigy playing some Goldberg Variations – a tough problem, they’ll get through it, and life will go on – probably pretty successfully. Ask yourself this – what is harder – ‘walking’ up Everest, or doing anything that a comparably aged skateboarder, snowboarder, or freeskier is out there doing? I don’t think the kids or his parents have any death wish; it’s just a cool thing that they want to do together and in the age of “Broadcast Yourself” – what the hell. And, Drew, love the Douchebag reference. That word is SOOO TGR…
climbers with many years of experience have died on Everest. Just because Jordan is a reasonably good climber there are no guarantees. He would have a better (but not 100%) chance of success with an experienced team behind him.
Their enthusiasm, determination and “family spirit” will not help them if the weather turns, these mountains are so unpredictable. Even highly experienced people have died. And you have no idea what effects the altitude will have until you get there. Successful acclimatisations in the past do not mean that you will always have them.
Not so long ago, 10% of those who summited, died on the way down. It’s a bit less now after a couple of successful seasons. They don’t call the last few hundred metres the Death Zone for nothing, the longer you are exposed to 8000m+ altitude, the greater the risk (most die on the way down). The top of the mountain is littered with bodies, and climbers have to step over several to reach the top.
ALL high altitude climbers get brain damage. The effects on a child are not really known.
They have only chosen the more difficult route because the Nepalis have an age limit (imposed after misadventures) and the Chinese don’t (they will take anyone’s money and not care about the consequences). It is also the cheaper alternative as they are not required to have adequate backup.
Read about Lincoln Hall and David Sharp if you still think a 13 year old climbing Everest is a good idea.
Fortunately, Jordan Romero has more training and real life experience then most people attempting to climb Mount Everest. He was raised in Big Bear Lake CA, at an altitude of 7,000 feet. He has already successfully climbed the other major peaks.
Not only does Jordan have plenty of common sense, he is accompanied by his parents who safely guide his decisions. We applaud Jordan’s ambitions. So many other children his age have no sense of direction.
I AM SO PROUD OF JORDAN! HE IS A GREAT KID AND VERY MATURE FOR HIS AGE, AS I KNOW HIM PERSONALLY FROM BIG BEAR MIDDLE SCHOOL. ALL YOU DOUBTING AND NEGATIVE PEOPLE OUT THERE HAVE NO IDEA THE IMPACT THAT JORDAN HAS HAD ON THE KIDS AT SCHOOL AND IN THIS VALLEY. HE IS A GREAT ROLE MODEL. HE HAS SET A GOAL FOR HIMSELF THAT IS BIG BEYOND COMPARE….AND GUESS WHAT? HE IS ACHIEVING IT. THAT IS SO MUCH MORE THAN MANY PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD. GO TEAM JORDAN!
While I respect the authors thoughts and concerns, I have to disagree. Having known Paul personally and professionally for over 15 years I can say with a great deal of certainty that if there is no one who is aware as and concerned of the risks that Jordan is undertaking.
In my observation, the record is not the point to Jordan, merely a serendipitous byproduct of his personal goals and aspirations. That is to say that if there were already a younger ascent, Jordan would still be on Everest today.
With respect to Paul’s ability, he and Karen have participated in the most demanding adventure races the world over for more than a decade and operate a training organization for adventure racers. In one of his earliest outings, their unseeded team managed to place 8th of 50 in the 1998 Eco Challenge, Morocco. Had they not been plagued with late injuries, they likely would have placed much higher.
As a Flight Paramedic, Paul is widely respected and regularly manages the most critically ill and injured patients. As a ski patroller, he has pulled plenty of dead kids off the groomed and supervised ski resorts that many parents send their children to with little more thought than a meeting time back at the base area.
The point here is that continuous, high demand, risk management in time constrained, extreme, hostile environments has been nearly routine for Paul, Karen and Jordan for years. Paul and Karen have not yet allowed Jordan to climb Everest, they have simply undertaken the challenge to try. Only if conditions warrant would they allow the ascent to continue.
Record or no, Jordan is living as he has lived his entire life and as Paul recently said, if he wanted to give it up tomorrow and just play basketball, they’d head to the local gym. The point of this attempt isn’t to set a record or showcase Jordan as some uber-outdoor-teen-idol. It’s a man supporting his sons personal goals and along the way teaching him how to judge for himself if it is prudent to continue. Skills he will undoubtedly need regardless if he is able to leverage his inevitable 15 minutes of fame or not.
No matter what our children ask for, a better answer than “no” is to show them how to reach that conclusion for themselves, to recognize risks, their own limitations and likewise if they have not met such limitations, teach them the tenacity to continue on the endeavor with the same vigilance. That standard can be universal and even while it’s objective may not be Mt. Everest for everybody, we shouldn’t stop them if their “Mt. Everest”, is Everest itself.
See you when you get home!
T. Akins
Come on people! Do you really really think a 9 year old only dreamed of fame and fortune. Heck no! I promise you that the only thing going through his head (when he thought of it) was “hey, that sounds fun”. Everything else came after that. Have any of you actually met children before?
You say he is too young, but he did it anyway.