For example, I’m sure the average joe doesn’t know just how expensive calligraphy pens can be, or how deep the rabbit hole goes on video game speedruns.

  • Idontoah@sh.itjust.works
    18·
    2 years ago

    Rock climbing. To start out you basically just need $150 worth of shoes and some $5 chalk. Trad climbing or big wall climbing can be 5 figures and a dozen years worth of experience. And the skill ceiling is probably obvious, but it’s become an Olympic sport for a reason.

    • NathanielThomas@lemmy.world
      13·
      2 years ago

      I think rock climbing has a fairly interesting cost curve, you’re right.

      • Bouldering in the gym: Membership fees, shoes, chalk bag.
      • Bouldering outside: Crash pad, gas to crag, shoes, chalk bag.
      • Sport climbing in the gym: Rope, belay device, shoes, chalk bag, membership fees.
      • Sport climbing at the crag: Rope, belay device, quickdraws, shoes, chalk bag, gas to crag
      • Trad climbing: Rope, belay device, rack, shoes, chalk bag, gas to crag

      And then if you add ice climbing and mountaineering you’re really screwed. Thousands of dollars in goretex, travel, supplies, rescue kits, avalanche training, etc

      Mountaineering was the next level I couldn’t afford to join my friends on.