The Stonemasters

The stonemasters were an informal group who climbed extensively together in southern California from 1970 until 1980 or so. They frequented crags such as Tahquitz Rock, Suicide Rock, Joshua Tree and Yosemite.

Together the group defined an era of climbing in the USA with many notable achievements between them, such as:

• The first free ascent of Astroman (Ron Kauk, John Long, John Bachar)
• Climbing The Nose in a day (Jim Bridwell, John Long, Billy Westbay)
• The first first ascent of Midnight Lightning (Ron Kauk)

Towards the end of the 1980s the group became known for their strict ethical stance, particularly with regards to rap bolting and top rope practice.

References

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Stonemasters