Tobin Sorenson (June 15, 1955 – October 5, 1980) was an American rock climber and alpinist famed for bold first ascents on Yosemite big walls, in the Alps, Canadian Rockies, and New Zealand. He is considered by many the best all-around climber of his time.  His long list of climbing accomplishments included the first ascent of the Dru Couloir Direct, the remarkable alpine ascent of the Eiger Harlin Direct, and a winter solo of the north face of the Matterhorn in only 8 1/2 hours, to name only a few.

Despite these accomplishments, Tobin would speak of the emptiness of his earlier days of climbing.  In an interview for an Australian climbing magazine (Thrutch No. 79), he said: “…it was climb, climb, climb, don’t stop and don’t look back.  Climbing was my god, and I looked to it for my meaning, my social life, my every need.  I finally got to this point of fame I had always wanted, but when I stood on this little mountain of mine, this summit of fame and ability, I began to see the emptiness of it all…”   He went on to say: “… to me climbing is one of the ultimate challenges in life, but by itself climbing can be very meaningless…”

There came a time when Tobin surrendered his life – and for a while his climbing – to God. Like with his climbing, when Tobin made that choice he was all in. As he stated in the Thrutch interview, “…I have often tried to say that in Christ we must live radically … committed to him…”

I met Tobin in early 1978 when he was at the pinnacle of his climbing career.  We both attended the same college in Southern California.  Several things impressed me immediately.  He rarely talked about his climbing unless asked.  He had a look in his eyes that spoke of passion, focus, and commitment. 

Watching Tobin for the short time I knew him made it clear that he lived this radical, all in relationship with his God.  Tobin’s eyes lit up when talking about climbing, and more so when he spoke about his life with his God.     

Tobin was known for long run-outs, bold soloing, and courageous daring.  He pioneered the ‘Dyno’ move, becoming airborne to get to the next hold.  He was a bold climber because he was, at his core, a bold person. 

Boldness is what it takes to become a friend of God.  Tobin once told me that he pursued his relationship with his God in the same way he pursued his athletic conditioning.  As an elite athlete, Tobin was known for pursuing his climbing in a way that pushed the margins of possibility.  He pushed himself toward intimacy with his God with the same vigorous engagement.  Some of those who knew him well referred to him as “a mystic” because he spoke of communion and conversation with his God.

Tobin Sorenson died in a fall during a solo attempt on Mount Alberta’s North Face wall in October of 1980. Bruce Adams recounted in his obituary for Tobin in Climbing Magazine, “Tobin understood the risks he took might bring death at a young age. The thought often robbed him of sleep. However, he believed, as he told me, that God had created him to climb mountains, and thus he would climb to the best of his ability. He saw that his talent did not belong to himself but rather to God who entrusted him with it.”

In early 1981, the American Alpine Journal published an obituary about Tobin.  Here are a few excerpts: “Tobin Sorenson was as much a deeply pious man as a brilliant climber —passionately committed to both.” “He could lead 5.12 in Yosemite; he was superb on technical ice; and in short order he became a first-class alpinist.” “Despite these achievements Tobin comported himself modestly as a climber. He was invariably cheerful. He was selfless and giving.  At such times his faith seemed like a strong moral force.”

And then this statement: “Though one can only speculate, it is possible that his faith was intertwined with his attitude towards climbing. Objectively Tobin was a high-risk climber. Far from reckless or dangerous, he understood the state of the art today and the risky conditions under which the limits of the impossible can be pushed back.  With his death we have a twofold loss: one of the best all-round climbers of the youngest generation and a climber of rare unworldliness and nobility of character.”

Tobin understood that a life with God was one joined into union with Him. Forget what you have seen or heard about institutional churches and organized religion, for these have little to say about the intimacy with God that characterized Tobin’s life.  It takes courage give up control over your living and to pursue a deep relationship with God.  And know this – He will meet you there. You will discover life as cannot be found in any other way.

Like Tobin, like me, and like so many others, you can leave your emptiness behind and pursue intimacy with God with all your being.  This, I say, is the great adventure.  We will never be fulfilled, our hearts will always be restless until we find the intimacy with our God for which we were made.