“Hans Florine - World’s Fastest Climber, and what does that have to do with Rotary?”
Hans Florine
Professional Rock climber / Motivational Speaker / Author
Scribe: Neil Bretvick Introduced by: Bob Holert
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Speaker Program
Bob Holert introduced our speaker, Hans Florine, who was here to talk about rock climbing. He climbs primarily in Yosemite National Park. He has written books about his experiences there, and presented many photos of the area. The Nose Route on El Capitan is considered the most famous rock climbing route in the world. Hans mentioned a competition of how fast they can climb it. They kept being beaten by another team, who got no publicity when they set the record. Ultimately Hans and his teammate climbed it in 2:48. They finally got some press to cover their accomplishment. Hans spoke of his learning curve to climb the wall, and how it took so long, but eventually with experience, they were able to achieve the record.
Over the years, Hans has worked with many who wanted to climb the wall, including those with severe disabilities, including those blind and paralyzed. The benefit of being blind is you can’t look down and get scared! He told an inspirational story about Wayne, who contracted polio in 1953, months prior to the vaccine being discovered by Salk. Wayne witnessed the first ascent of the rock in 1958 as a young child, and over time, overcame his disability to climb the wall himself with Hans. Featured below is a photo of Hans with BBRC members Rourke O’Brien and Shokouh Mousavi.
Club Business
Inspirational thought was given by Mike Ralph
Visiting Rotarians and Guests were introduced by Carmela Ramaglia.
Student of the Month – Introduced by Bob Holert. Our BBRC Student of the Month is Daniel Ficca from Bellevue Christian High School. Daniel has yet to decide on a college. He’s been involved in football and music at Bellevue Christian. He was joined and supported by his family and school staff. He spoke about participating on the football team and how it provided him important life skills. He set a school record for the most rushing yards in a single season. He spoke of playing music (guitar) and how it is an integral part of who he is, and how music is an important part of life, and how one communicates to others. He spoke eloquently of how important it is to be a part of our community, and caring for others.
Paul Osborne introduced Dorothy C. Echodu who spoke about the Katakwi Rotary Malaria Project via Pilgrim Africa in Uganda, sponsored by the BBRC. It was her first visit to the BBRC. Uganda has the world’s highest incidence of malaria. She presented some statistics, showing the problem and the need there. Over 45 million treatment doses per year are provided. It is treated via mass drug administration (MDA) and indoor residual spraying (IRS). At any point in time, about 50% are infected with some form of malaria. They provide MDA to about 85% of the population, and use IRS which can be effective for many months. Dorothy gave an impassioned talk, and it was obvious how much good work was being done by her program.
Thought for the week
– Sir Edmund Hillary –“It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves”.
About the Speaker
Hans started climbing while he was in college at California Polytechnic - San Luis Obispo 33 years ago, where he received a BS in Business Economics with two minors. Hans speaks professionally to White collar CEOs and Khaki Collar boy scouts and everything in between. He’s also spoken at 16 Rotary clubs. Hans has written a book on Speed Climbing, produced audio programs on how to speed up everything, designed for Outdoor Research clothing, designed for CRKT Knives, and recently come out with his first narrative book chronicling his 100 ascents of The Nose of El Capitan. Hans was inducted into the California Outdoor Hall of Fame in 2016. Other inductees include John Muir and Galen Rowell.
Hans is good at speeding up anything; manufacturing processes, supply lines, customer service, climbing, diaper changes, and loan closings. Hans notes that he can recite The Four-Way Test in under 7 seconds
Hans lives in Lafayette with his wife of 16 years Jacqueline, and two kids, Marianna and Pierce, 16 and 13 respectively."
Hans will have books, CDs and knives available for purchase at the end of his presentation if you are interested.