Robbins publishes 1st of 7 autobiographies

He is a household name amongst big wall climbers; a legendary figure that took the sport of rock climbing to a new level by opening big wall routes in Yosemite Valley in the 50’s and 60’s.

Robbins is one of the bad boys of American climbing. In his latest book "To be Brave" , he comments that he was risk taking from an early age.

According to an article by Lisa Millegan of the The Fresno Bee, Robbins was jumping trains, hitching rides and traveling hundreds of miles from home while still an elementary school student.

"I think she (his mother) lost a lot of sleep at night," the 75-year-old said during a recent interview at his son Damon's Modesto wine cafe, Camp 4. "Frankly, I didn't care because I was so selfish that I would just do what I wanted."

Now Robbins has dedicated the book to his 94 year-old mum.

The content is the first of a projected seven-volume series titled "My Life." With the series he hopes to inspire people and show them what is possible.

"I think we are what we dream about, if you dream about things going well and things turning out well, they tend to. There's no guarantee, but it tends to work that way. If you take a negative view of life, negative things will come your way. If you take a positive view of life, positive things will come your way."

Millegan comments that the read is “Less about mountain climbing than about Robbins' tumultuous upbringing in West Virginia and Los Angeles, "To Be Brave" is an engaging and startling story that makes readers wonder how Robbins ever made it to adulthood.”

Robbins earned worldwide respect in the 50’s and 60’s for his daring climbs on Yosemite National Park's Half Dome, El Capitan and Leaning Tower.

"To be Brave" is his 3rd major publication, the first two "Basic Rockcraft" and "Advanced Rockcraft," selling more than 400,000 copies combined.

Robbins sends a strong message out to folks of the modern age. With children spending more time in front of the screen weekly than adults spend time at work, Robbins has this to say to an overprotective society:

"We want everything sterile and safe, and I'm not so sure that's a good idea," he said. "Maybe it softens us, I'm not sure. If it does, watch out."

Robbins thrived on the physical risks that came with his passion of rock climbing.

"Danger's important," he said. "You need it. It's good for you. It makes you more alive."

In the books to follow, Robbins hopes to write more about rock climbing, his marriage and his experiences with extreme kayaking and his clothing business.

"To be Brave" is published by Pink Moment Press

Source article: Rock-climbing pioneer's autobiography details early days