Embedded Files
Material Covered:
Material Covered:
This series of lecture and field trips focuses on the basics of rock climbing, a skill which is needed to get to the top of many peaks, including some which may start with a section of glacier and then transition into a rock climb! In addition to which rock climbing, from crags to big walls to alpine peaks, is objectively the best kind of climbing š¤
Building Skills:
Building Skills:
The Neil Gresham Masterclass is a highly recommended -- if somewhat dated -- series of climbing technique videos. These videos are good for everyone from those just getting started, to climbers who have years of experience already.
PBUS is the current best-practice for top-rope belaying, and is the method taught in the Basic Alpine Climbing Course. This slick video from REI takes a close look at setting up for a belay.
Notice that this video is in a "crag" situation (climbing usually shorter routes, often roadside), as opposed to the alpine rock climbing that you will participate in on a Basic Rock Climb. What major difference(s) do you notice between what is shown in the video, and the belay system that you have been learning to set up?
Rappelling is a critical skill, and one which, executed improperly, takes the lives of newbies and experienced climbers alike every year. This video is a good look at setting up the extended rappel that you learn in the Basic Alpine Climbing Course.
Practice rappelling at home by wrapping a rope (any rope!) around a stout, stationary object, and then treating the two strands like you would a climbing rope. Set up the system until you have it dialed in and can execute it quickly, efficiently, and safely.
Understanding what climbers are talking about when they discuss a climb can feel like listening to a different language sometimes! Immerse yourself in that language with one of the podcasts featured at this link.
Gearing Up:
Gearing Up:
There are as many gear websites as there are opinions on gear! Here are a few that have proven valuable over the past few years:
- WeighMyRack.com - In addition to posting some pretty phenomenal "gear porn" pictures, WeighMyRack lists almost every iteration of every piece of climbing hardware available. Interested in the difference in grams between Camp wiregates and DMM wiregates? How about between every brand that manufactures wiregate carabiners?! WMR has you covered.
- Outdoor Gear Lab - Thorough reviews of outdoor gear including climbing equipment. Weigh the opinions of their experts against your needs and make an informed decision to help your outdoor dollars go further!
- [WHAT OTHER WEBSITES TO ADD?]
Gathering Beta:
Gathering Beta:
There are a staple few websites that are known as the go-to places for information. Most of the "beta" (information about a route, conditions, etc.) is user-contributed, with the usual caveats that implies.
- Mountain Project - MP also has a fairly functional app for iPhone and Android that makes it easy to dig through routes. Check out the different regions they offer for a more- or less-zoomed-in view of the routes in a given area.
- Mountaineers - Routes and Places - The Mountaineers website offers a fairly large archive of route descriptions, trip reports (sometimes including GPS tracks!), access information, and more. Check here for supplemental information when headed out on a climb. Notice, too, that you can narrow down the route listings by category with the checkbox filters.
- [ADD SOME MORE!]
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