nenep

For those of you who have experienced the climb, would you recommend this to someone who's deathly afraid of heights? A lot of people have said climbing the bridge is the highlight of their trip.

michi

You are going to get a lot of answers to this question and there have already been many on this forum. In some cases people will say they were afraid of heights but accomplished this climb without difficulty or that it helped them conquer their fear of heights.

The key words in your question is "deathly afraid." I would not take this person on this climb but have him/her do the walk on the lower bridge.

My husband is afraid of heights, not deathly afraid, but enough that I did not even consider he should go on the climb judging from past experiences with lesser heights.

While there is help down from the bridge for those who are overcome by fear (we saw one person being led down very carefully) remember that this climb involves catwalks, ladders and stairs, it is not just a walk.

I was 71 when I climbed. Except for the walking the catwalks at the beginning and end where a glance downwards was dizzy-ing and very scary, I did not find it difficult and loved the ladders especially.

Have fun.

Mucky

All I can say is the height isn't anywhere near as bad as you perceive it to be, when your stood watching.

One or two step ladders to negotiate, but safety is paramount.

My daughter was petrified before the climb and soon overcame that, she will tell you that it was a fantastic invigorating thing to do. She really enjoyed it.

I don't think anyone can really offer you the answers you want to hear. Its a very individual thing but many people have been in your situation and thoroughly enjoyed it.

I think michi's idea about the lower bridge is good but be aware that the two things are not quite the same.
Good luck

Muck

michi

Hi Muck,

It's true that the two levels of the bridge are quite different. I was basing my opinion on someone being "deathly afraid of heights."

It would be interesting to know what the bridge climb leaders themselves would recommend. I have no doubt many have climbed successfully who were "afraid of heights." My husband might fall into this category.

It would be interesting to hear what happens if this person climbs seeing the fear of heights is so great. The security is really good so there's no fear of falling off.

Good climbing!

BarbaraS

Can I jump in on this one! I am somewhat afraid of heights, but think I could probably do it. But the cost is a big issue for me too. We are a family of six and the cost would be over $600. Is it that amazing of an experience? Would I regret not doing it? I hate to deprive my family.

oliverandharry

One person's notion of deprivation isn't a match for anyone else. If you're giving up a meal or a place to stay to climb, I'd say no. If you can live with spending that cash for ONE activity, which may or may not be your thrill of a lifetime, then that's a personal choice based on the cost of your trip and other activities you would choose. There are pluses and minuses all around this one and if you search the responses here you'll get plenty. I think the cost is outrageous, and I'm positive the Bridge Climb people know this. Then add in you cannot take your camera or take any of your own pictures, only the ones the operators take, which you will then buy. Most people writing here thought it was worth it - we were two who passed because of the cost.

Mucky

Michi Hi,
Sorry me dear !!
Hope you didn't think I was decrying your advice !
I certainly was not and apologise to you if you thought that.

I bet the leaders see it all the time, however "deathly afraid of heights" is a subjective thing.

BarbaraS I agree, the price can be prohibitive. However I really feel that the bridge climb is a great experience and if you can stretch to it then it is a great experience.

We climbed it twice now and would probably make it a 3rd on our next visit. On the face of it, you would think it is not good value. But once you have done it it is clear that it is more than just climbing a bridge.

Muck

BarbaraS

Thanks for the responses. I have read lots of posts on the Bridge Climb. I had ruled it out because of the cost,and planned on doing the pylon lookout, but then a new post comes along and I rethink the whole issue. We are trying to save money where we can, I'll probably stay in a 3 bedroom self serviced apartment listed on wotif.com and eat some meals at the apartment. To include the Bridge Climb would probably mean having a credit card bill when we return, but I could live with that if it really is that amazing of an experience.

You're right Muck I do sort of think of it as "just a bridge climb". My husband and daughter have both done sky diving and we're scuba divers. What is it about the climb that makes people rave about it and worth that much money?

Thanks!

Mucky

"What is it about the climb that makes people rave about it and worth that much money?"

I think Barbera it's just that when you return from your trip and you tell people you went to Sydney, they will automatically ask if you did the bridge climb.
To say no would I think be disapointing and at that time you will probably wish you had.


Muck

nenep

thanks for all the reply. I think right now I'm about 75% sure that I'll do the climb. I have 2 months to muster the courage to get the other 25%

wlzmatilida

Hi,

I did the Bridge Climb last month and loved it.

Actually, now that I've been "up close and personal" I was thinking that I'd never recommend it to clients who had a problem with CLAUSTROPHOBIA! There's several small bits in there that could cause a panic attack in someone with that problem. I'm slightly claustrophic, but had no problem, it involved a very short stretch. But as Michi said, it's not "just" a climb.

I don't think it's something for someone who does have a "deathly fear of heights" though. I think the anticipation / anxiety alone would ruin the experience.

For Barbara: $600 is alot of money for an experience. I'm sure your family could live happy, healthy and productive lives without experiencing the Bridge Climb! On the other hand, if you can afford it..... it's all about priorities isn't it?

What is it about the Climb? Again, everyone's going to have a different answer. On my tour there was a German couple doing it for the 2nd time - they did the day tour the first time and wanted to experience the night tour.

For me, I lucked out and it was just a brilliant night out -- in fact, I was talking with our tour leader who had checked the weather that day and actually called into work and asked if he could get that shift. (I thought this was really funny -- how many of us have jobs where we ASK if we can come into work that day)!

I thought one of the most amazing things was when he instructed us to look UP -- there was a dsrk "shadow" of the Bridge on the SKY - never seen anything like that before! And it was so clear, the views were amazing.

Hope this is helpful!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist

PinotNoir

My wife is very afraid of heights and not normally adventurous. She did it and loved it. Especially helpful is the prep beforehand. It's very thorough and gives you a good idea of what to expect.

michi

Hi again Muck,

No offence taken.

I am afraid of heights. Among other things, standing on our seventh floor balcony, gondolas and ferris wheels scare me. I suspect many climbers are like me – afraid of heights but can do it.

As you mention, it all depends on what deathly afraid means to each individual. For me it means someone who can become frozen or terror stricken with heights. My husband is somewhere between the two.

Happy New Year Muck and to all the would-be climbers -- enjoy.

Michi

WallyKringen

If you are serious when you say "...deathly afraid of heights..." then A) don't go and B) they won't let you go up if you tell them, which you must, because if you don't and then have a fit or something, you put everybody else at risk or at least inconvenience them.

If you sign up then you make yourself liable, knowing that you are at risk - that could have legal consequences, too.

In other words, if you were serious when saying "...deathly afraid of heights..." then this is not for you.

But you might want to do the Pylon - there is no looking straight down through open grilles between your feet like there is on the bridge, the railing is chin-high, the stairs are manageable if you are in reasonable shape, and the views are superb. On the way down you go through a space with a multi-media presentation about the building of the bridge, very interesting!

Check it out at http://www.sydneyeguide.com/harbour_bridge.php

michi

Well said Wally.

producerkoof

We did the Bridge Climb in Dec. 2004. Although I get nervous near the edge of high buildings, balconies,etc... I did not feel nervous on the Brdige Climb. The only potentially scary part are the ladders... since traffic whizzes underneath you.
My thought is getting to Australia is a big deal (time & money)and I would forgo a nice meal just to do this. You'll always remember the Bridge Climb but not necessarily the meal!