PIRATE ALPINISM
Climber, Skier, ex-pro Cyclist
Full-time Pirate
Founder of Intent Education
Adrien Costa // Pirate Alpinism
The aim of this site is threefold. Firstly, it is a convenient place for myself to reflect upon my adventures, hopefully learn from some mistakes, and take each moment with equanimity. Additionally, it helps me track my evolution and experience as a budding alpine climber in various mountain environments and media.
Secondly, as a climber with a prosthesis, there is a certain societal stigma that I aim to break. I hope to convey the simple message that it is not physical, but psychological limitations that stand in the way of our goals in any domain, and that there is always a way to adapt to any given situation. I hope to inspire folks to follow their dreams regardless of how audacious or improbably they may seem, whether it be in sport, career, or personal.
Finally, as a climber, I’ve struggled with bringing clarity to the meaning of climbing and the interaction we have as climbers to the natural environment. I hope to bring forth discussions on ethics in climbing, the psychology of risk-taking, our role as ecological stewards, and more. While I realize I have not been in this game for very long, I do not see why constructive, reflective, and empowering conversations must wait to be had.
More personal info coming soon!
With generous support from:
Media:
Nov ’20: Podcast with Gus Morton of Thereabouts: Outspoken
Apr ’21: IG Live with Chris Stricklen/ Specialized
Latest Posts:
- 6/12: Mt Whitney via HairlineThis trip would be my first alpine excursion with Riley. We’d been climbing a lot together at home, both in the form of simulclimbing linkups around Smith and Cougar along with some harder cragging. Together we’d been eyeing the North Ridge of Stuart for this trip, but decided against the snow and glacier travel thatContinue reading “6/12: Mt Whitney via Hairline”
- 3/20-22: Spaceshot & Lunar X Solo!Not really wanting to give up potential sends in the alpine, but also wanting a break from being cold and from long approaches, Sarah convinced me to make the (now-yearly) Spring Break trip to Zion. Last year we’d found the park empty, right before they closed for Covid… this year the throng of tourists providedContinue reading “3/20-22: Spaceshot & Lunar X Solo!”
- 4/12: Middle Sister, NE Face DirectThe Northeast Face Direct, as shown in the invaluable guidebook, Oregon High, is a line that has long eluded me. Skinning up the Hayden Glacier, as so many have done, it’s impossible to not notice this 200ft ice (and often mixed) step leading to a huge couloir above. I’d headed up there twice with theContinue reading “4/12: Middle Sister, NE Face Direct”
Pirate Alpinism 