THE LIFER

A soulful journey into the heart of American climbing with legend Russ Clune and BD athlete Sam Elias.

FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2019

Black Diamond Presents: The Lifer

Video by Mike Call

I don’t remember when I met Russ for the first time. All I have in my memory about him is a sense of warm realness. He’s genuine, thoughtful, no bullshit, and intelligent. He’s become something like a beloved uncle. He has lived an amazing life, and not without struggle. I connect with people over climbing – it’s true. But it’s also cheap and easy. My path in life has always been deeper than just climbing, and most of my real friendships are rooted there. Russ’s presence has been stable support and guidance. He is always positive and light-hearted, calm, and pragmatic. I’m emotional, reactive, impulsive and he helps me to chill all that out, even if while using his nickname for me -- “Darkness.”

There just aren’t pretenses with him. Russ is just a good man. Kind. Hardworking. He is who he is, and at this point he’s unapologetic about it. He’s massively respectful and aware, but he lives his life and crafts his surroundings exactly as he wants. He knows what and who and where he loves, and he’s going to straight up do those things till his dying day.

If Russ would’ve been born in Cali and done his thing out in Yosemite, the climbing world over would know who he is. Instead it was in New York, and the Gunks. It honestly makes no difference to him, or me, or the Gunks, but you if you’re a real climber – you know. His life as a climber and steward of the outdoor industry is worthy of great respect and admiration.