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out rappelling.
It is interesting how many people have a fear of
heights. No better way to conquer that fear than by
stepping out over a ledge with no idea what will
happen...accept that you are tied securely to an anchor.
Make sure you go with someone else who is experienced.
Get over that fear.
Put on your harness
according to the instructions. Anchor your rope so that
it creases at the anchor and the two ends of the rope
hang off the cliff. Thread your rope through the figure
8 or ATC so that both ends of the rope go through your
equipment. Read up on how to use your particular
equipment. Use your strong hand for your rope guide. You
can do whatever you want with the other hand as long as
it stays out of the way.
If you become very
comfortable with the rappelling scene try to do a spin
on the rope or hang upside down. Try doing a run in as
few leaps as possible (be sure to have gloves on).
Once you have mastered
the rappel look to take on your first climb. This time
you will tie one end of the rope to the anchor (again,
read up on how to use your gear). Be sure to have a
trusted bolé and use appropriate communication.
- When climbing up, stay
as close to the wall face as you can, the closer
your center of gravity is to the wall, the less your
muscles have to work to hold you. If your body is
vertical, then all you need to do is stand in place
rather than cling to the rock. It helps to climb
with the inside edge of your feet, not the toes, to
achieve this.
When resting (and you should do this often to look
down and check your footholds) straighten your arms
(so you don't tire them out) and lean back (ideally
with handholds fairly high up).
- Rely upon your legs
more than your upper body strength. Your legs are
much stronger than your arms so don't pull yourself
up the wall face with your arms. Use your legs.
- Bring one foot up at a
time to keep your hands from fatigue.
- Try to position your
hands and feet on the holds in the positions you
will want them in for the next move. Reduce the
amount of switching your holds to improve your speed
and skill by making you plan the next move.
- Don't lean too far
away from the wall when you are resting, when you
are ready to continue it will just take more
strength to pull your body back against the face.
(This is more important on short climbs then long
day climbs when there is more time to rest.)
Those of you who are more
experienced try some advanced techniques (we are going
to defer to another site for advanced moves):
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