Jimmy Chin Quotes

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Jimmy Chin

Profession : Athlete

Birth : October 12, 1973

I try to live intentionally, and the things that move me, I'm going to throw myself at them. I want to see what my potential is. I'm always curious to see what the edge is.

Jimmy Chin

I won't ski in the backcountry the day after a big storm anymore. The mountains are so humbling. As soon as you think you're on top or crushing it, that's when you need to be really careful.

Jimmy Chin

As a professional climber, that's the question you always get: Why, why, why? It's an ineffable thing; you can't describe it.

Jimmy Chin

I've hidden behind the camera my whole life because I much, much, much prefer shooting. Being behind the camera is my safe space, and it's my creative space, too.

Jimmy Chin

Meru was the most challenging climb of my life. Not once but twice.

Jimmy Chin

The way we approached Meru, and the way we approach a lot of these mountains, is with humility. A sense of, 'Is it going to give us passage?' Your mental attitude can affect the outcome.

Jimmy Chin

You learn over years of expeditions that having faith, and putting one foot in front of the other, you do end up pulling off climbs that seem completely impossible. There's a certain beauty to that. It has an allure.

Jimmy Chin

I've always been interested in working with top athletes, athletes who are pushing the edge and are really progressive in the outdoor space and adventure world.

Jimmy Chin

I'm constantly out of my mind trying to stay in shape.

Jimmy Chin

I've tried to eat little shrubs before. We were on an unsupported 20-plus day traverse, following the migration of endangered antelope across the Chang Tang Plateau. We were like, 'Oh, this is what they ate; we should try it.'

Jimmy Chin

You can show up at Everest having never really climbed before, because it's like hiking, basically. You can't show up on Meru and start up the thing unless you have years and years of experience. Climbing and spending time on the mountains is really the only way you can train.

Jimmy Chin

I think being a good dad is on the list of things to do. But, I will always ski, climb, surf, and be out in the mountains and oceans. It's who I am. My goal is to just keep doing it all and enjoying it.

Jimmy Chin

On climbs, there is a general way we manage fear. We look at things objectively, separating out perceived risk from real risk. You can really bring down the level of fear by knowing the real risks and setting aside the others. You also know that panicking just makes things worse.

Jimmy Chin

I grew up studying martial arts, playing violin, swimming competitively, so I already had athletic focus, discipline and training. When I brought that to climbing, I became passionate.

Jimmy Chin

I'm a filmmaker. I like to ask the questions, make others feel vulnerable. I don't want to be vulnerable.

Jimmy Chin

I feel like I'm doing what I love. If I can get out, shoot, film and climb, and be with my friends and family, I'm happy. It doesn't take a lot. I don't need to climb huge mountains. I have a deep connection with wilderness and the environment, and I'm thankful for that.

Jimmy Chin

If you want to train for big mountain endeavors, spend time in big mountains.

Jimmy Chin

My favorite off-mountain workout is the long run. It's great for building endurance and strength.

Jimmy Chin

I listen to everything while I train. From old school reggae, to classical stuff like Bach, to hip-hop, to rock and roll.

Jimmy Chin

As a professional climber and photographer, I am asked to shoot in a lot of situations with a lot of different people. Sometimes I'm with the hardest, most seasoned alpinists in the world. Sometimes I'm hanging out with celebrities doing a benefit climb.

Jimmy Chin