9/26/10

Rock Climbing Practice Walls

Most people who lure themselves into the addiction of sports aim for one thing and that is to maintain their overall body strength. There are those individuals who prefer to spend their free time in the gyms, jog around the nearest park, or be engaged in the tiring world of ball games. If one prefers not to dwell much on weightlifting and the likes, he has a better choice and that is none other than rock climbing.
Why rock climbing after all? Rock climbing ranks as one of the most adventurous and thrilling sports of today. Aside from boosting one's body strength, rock climbing likewise develops discipline in one's self. There are certainly obstacles which need to be surpassed by a rock climber. With these alone, the rock climber's mind power is piqued since his mind is tickled in order to allow him to think of strategies so he can overcome the present obstacles. Overall, rock climbing stirs the strength of both the spirit and the mind of the person.
As one goes rock climbing, he is blessed with the opportunities of capturing the breathtaking sceneries on top of the mountains, soaking under the first few rays of the morning or the setting sun, and letting a feeling of victory and satisfaction wash over his own self. One must therefore not be afraid of rock climbing because it is honestly one safe sport provided that the climber's got the proper equipment and the sufficient experience to keep him going.
Rock Climbing Practice for Amateurs
For the beginners, it will obviously be hazardous for them to take on the mountainous treks. It will be better off for them to practice rock climbing on the walls. The rock climbing walls are man-made things which contain crannies and hooks that give the individual a real rock wall environment. It is through the practice on rock climbing walls that the trainers can educate the climber on the proper use of the legs and arms, the rappel and the ropes.
The Real Deal with Rock Climbing
Rock climbing walls are geared with the necessary protruding parts that allow one's foot to be nestled on. However, climbing the wall or the rock requires from a person a cautious strategy and estimation. One wrong decision may cause accident. As a climber, one should have an alert mind and firm decision. Throughout the course of the practice on rock climbing walls, one will soon recognize his potential strengths and weaknesses.
Most of the rock-climbing beginners depend a lot on their gears so that they can reach the top. The professional rock climbers however see it fit for them to do some free strokes because they already know their skills in this field. Expeditions concerning rock climbing can be totally expensive especially if the weather proves to be not fine. In this matter, they need to take an alternative route for the activity. And an effective alternative is the use of the rock climbing walls.
The Use of the Rock Climbing Walls
Rock climbing walls are structures complete with hooks and crags which can be used by the amateurs as they practice. The rock climbing walls serve as the training ground for the beginners so that they will have an overall feel of the real thing with rock climbing. Through the use of the rock climbing walls, beginners will learn the proper use of their muscular strength and their own equipment. It is through constant practice that the most effective strategies will be conceptualized.

Fun de chichuune

Yesterday I managed to do something I've been dreaming of trying since 2007 when I first saw it. I climbed the mega line of the Grande Grotta, Fun de chichuune 8a. The route is 40m long and it's essentially a roof for most of its length. As you can see in the photos below, you climb through blobs and stalactites, interspersed with scary blank sections. 


It is #8 on this topo. 

There were tons of kneebars and other creative rests along the way. I spent most of the time hanging upside down by my knees. The weight of the quickdraws felt like it might pull my harness off. There are 28 clips.

It was a hot day so I was sweating heaps and the tufas were often damp or outright dripping with water. I managed to remove my shirt on one of the rests at halfway and use it as a towel. Later, towards the end, I had to thoroughly chalk up my forehead. That's a first.

Most of these pics are in the first third when it's not so steep (!)


 

Not even halfway yet!

 

Can you spot me here? I'm at about the 3/4 point. 



And the best part, it was onsight. The first try. Meaning I thankfully didn't have to try the whole enormous beast for a second time, which would be crushing. You might cry.

Route pics © C Vaillancourt 2010

More Ten Sleep Climbing pics

This is turning into a photo blog. Oh well. You love it.

More pics from Ten Sleep for you. It's great having three people finally as we can spend time taking a few shots.


Gareth onsighting Number One Enemy 5.11a, a fingerlocky thing at Slavery Wall. Definitely one of the best sectors here. © L Cujes 2010


Me gathering beta. Sneaky! © S Cujes 2010


Another pic for the Molly Beard Appreciation Society © L Cujes 2010


Me onsighting a nice 5.11b, I Just Do Eyes. Techy long face. © G Llewellin 2010


Gareth on one of the best routes at Ten Sleep: Happiness Is Slavery 5.12b (or 7b or 25 :) © S Cujes 2010


Big G taking flight as the pump goes terminal 5m from the top © S Cujes 2010


Applying anti-pump techniques. Do you know this trick? © S Cujes 2010


Me on the start of the classic E.K.V 5.12c (7b+/26) which I flashed thanks to Molly & Carl's beta © S Cujes 2010


Me sending the classic long route Burden of Immortality 5.13a (7c+/28) © G Llewellin 2010

Well that's it for Ten Sleep. A nice couple of weeks was had by all.

new crag




At have fun in the sun we are always looking for new rock and im pleased to say we have found a new venue thats fantastic for the people to get there first taste of what climbing is all about.



The new crag is mainly top roping,which is the best way to begin climbing,the routes are all low grades 4,5 and some 6 and they are a lot of fun.
Now we have bolted routes that make this crag
a fab place to bolt for the first time and its a great day out for every one.