July, 2009- Ethan Pringle sprawled out on a blanket in Dolores Park. He kept his left arm tucked tightly into his body as he worked on his tan in the summer sun.

Pringle, a Touchstone sponsored rock climber who began cranking at Mission Cliffs at the age of 8, has redpointed Realization (9a+/5.15a) in Ceuse, France, bouldered Dominated,a v13 in Camp 4, Yosemite Valley, Ca, and fired the Cobra Crack, a 5.14b/c traditional route in Squamish, British Columbia. Unfortunately, Pringle suffered a debilitating injury that has kept him away from the crag.



Earlier this year, while bouldering at Nationals in Boulder Colorado, Pringle felt a tear in his left shoulder. With a shooting pain that left him unable to climb, he consulted a few Bay area specialists. An MRI revealed a tear in the labrum of his left shoulder. After a few months of hoping his shoulder would heal, Pringle opted to have arthroscopic surgery. The doctors stitched his labrum back to the bone and now Pringle is waiting for the fusion to take hold.



Pringle is beginning light physical therapy for his injury and hopes to be climbing again by the fall. In his free time he has begun taking classes at City College, teaching an Advanced Lead Climbing Clinic, and bronzing in Dolores Park.

Keep on the lookout for his upcoming Mission Cliffs slide show.


Check out Ethan's Blog

Labels: Ethan Pringle, labrum tears, Realization

Just wanted to throw everyone out there a quick reminder that there are still a few spots open for this Sunday's once in a lifetime event at our Mission Cliffs Gym!

In case you've already forgotten, which is highly unlikely, Ethan Pringle is teaching an Advanced Lead Clinic THIS Sunday and we have a few spots open. Sign up as soon as possible, because the spots won't be open long!

Have a great weekend, and if you make it to the Clinic, have fun and we'll see you there!

Labels: Clinic, Ethan Pringle, mission cliffs, Reminder

In honor of the upcoming "Advanced Lead Clinic" taught by the extremely talented Ethan Pringle this Sunday, we decided that this week, our "Climbing Clip of the Week" should be of the man himself.

So, for this weeks Climbing Clip, check out this gem we stumbled across on YouTube. It's Ethan Pringle on the second ascent of a 35 foot Kevin Jorgeson climb in Bishop, CA. It's amazing to see the technique and finesse.

At any rate, check it out, then if you're signed up for his Advanced Lead Clinic, we'll see you at Mission Cliffs on Sunday from 7:30 - 9:30pm.

Labels: climbing, Climbing Clip of the Week, Climbing Video, Ethan Pringle

Empty your calendars for this Sunday everyone, because there is an event upcoming that you will not want to miss. We are lucky enough to announce that starting this Sunday, March 8 we are going to be hosting a workshop by one of the top climbers in the entire world, Ethan Pringle.

That's right, exclusively at Mission Cliffs, we'll be having an "Advanced Lead Clinic" with Ethan Pringle. The Clinic will spread over 2 Sundays, March 8 and March 15 and will cover a great deal of information. Here's what you can expect:

"Been leading 5.11s for awhile? Want to make the jump to the next level? In a small, group setting, learn how to push yourself to climb smart from one of the world's best, ETHAN PRINGLE. Gain the mental skill set and confidence necessary to break into 5.12.

Day 1
Learn how to climb, clip and fall with confidence. Pushing your limit ABOVE the bolt.

Day 2
Route reading, improvisation and decision making. Knowing when to rest, and when to punch it. Most importantly, how to concentrate and relax.

Skill Level
Solid 5.11 Lead Climber."

If you're interested, sign up now because space is limited to only 10 participants! It's going to cost $75 for all you Members out there, and $100 if you're not a member. Don't miss out!

Labels: Advanced Lead, Clinic, Ethan Pringle, Events, mission cliffs

Here is a video of Touchstone Climbing sponsored climber, Ethan Pringle working a project in Clark Mountain, California late last year. Chris Sharma ended up sending this project in September and named the route Jumbo Love and rated it 5.15b!!

Enjoy and see everyone on Monday.


Monastary Project from Ethan Pringle on Vimeo.

Labels: Clark Mountain, Climbing Clip of the Week, Climbing Video, Ethan Pringle, Jumbo Love

Don't miss Perfecto the Movie at the Victoria Theatre this coming Thursday night, July 10th at 8pm.

Hosted by Mike Call, Boone Speed, and Touchstone's Ethan Pringle.

This movie is about Mallorca and deep water soloing.

Buy your tickets NOW at Mission Cliffs and save $. Tickets at the door $12 and $10 in advanced.

Labels: climbing, Climbing Movie, Ethan Pringle, event, mission cliffs

Ethan Pringle, who grew up climbing at Mission Cliffs, has gone on to become one of the world’s hottest climbers. Ethan who grew up only a couple blocks from Mission Cliffs, started climbing in his early teens at the gym.

On Sept. 5th, Ethan became only the 5th person to ascend Realization, a route in Ceuse, France established by Chris Sharma. The route was considered at least a 5.15a – perhaps harder, although when Ethan finished the route, he put it at 14d.

"That's our boy", head routesetter Craig McClenahan stated after hearing of Ethan's send. Craig went on in jest to say "A 15a in France is a 14c in California."

The wall it is on overhangs at an absurd angle and the route stretches for over 100 feet. Redpointing the route requires technical sequences, raw power, and extraordinary crimp strength.

Pringle probably spent less time working out the moves on Realization than the four people who redpointed it before him.

For more info, see:

http://www.climbing.com/news/hotflashes/pringlerealization/

http://www.bigupproductions.blogspot.com/

Labels: Chris Sharma, climbing, Craig McClenahan, Ethan Pringle, members