Learning to lead can be rough. When you start off toproping there are all these landmarks and guardrails. Once you're on the sharp end though you have to make a lot of your own decisions.
Route finding in complex terrain can be challenging so before I leave the ground I like to do a few things.
-look for specific details in the description. A tree, specific crack or roof. Something that's hard to mistake.
-keep in mind what can change and what can't. Lots of routes will identify a tree. After a bunch of people do a route they will often die. So you might be looking for a stump. Meanwhile a crack doesn't disappear unless the face collapsed.
-think like a first ascencionist. Look at the features and how they connect together. Identify places for gear, rests, or other islands of security. The way those connect together is often how a climb comes to exist.
-have the eagle eye. It's good #leavenotrace to not leave bright colored gear behind. If you're looking hard you can usually spot something unnatural looking. Even when it's camouflaged.
-have a backup plan. It happens, we all screw up. If you have an idea of solutions if you need to bail it'll save you from losing a bunch of gear. Is there a route next to it toy can swing over from? Is their top access?
#learntoclimb #climbingtips #seekqualifiedinstruction #climbingadventures #rockclimbing
In preparation for all our days we're planning to help out @gowestcamps and @climbcityrock for outdoor climbing this summer we picked up a bunch of new gear. The new recycled ropes from @mammut are pretty nice but I thought I'd throw out a quick tip to keep your ropes from getting all twisted up and tangled. Do this instead of just flaking back and forth from one end to the other. If anyone has a good storage method for a couple dozen @blackdiamond helmets though lemme know...
#protip #learntoclimb #climbingtips
I learned to ice climb in a time before ice parks, before FB groups and online conditions reports. While I like to be generous when people ask, I also think there is a certain amount of skill being lost. Like reading a map, understanding how temperature, precipitation, and aspect help ice and alpine routes form is a skill that requires practice and trial and error. Besides, you never know what kind of adventure you could have if you check something out for yourself! Ice in the San Juans is fat. Probably another month of good conditions, maybe more before e start to get into skimo and snow climbing season. Get it before its hot.
#climbingadventures #iceclimbing #sanjuanmountainscolorado #coloradoclimbing
We're on vacation for a few days...
