In flight awareness

Post by **Wes** » Fri Sep 12, 2003 6:58 pm

So, I have taking many falls lately, some on purpose. The cool part is I am starting to become aware of things while falling. At first falling was just a big scary blur, and the falls were pretty short. Now, I am taking 20-30 foots falls and it is very cool to watch draws and stuff fly by. It is such a cool feeling to be hanging onto a big hold, well above a bolt or piece, and just let go. Very empowering as well. No need to worry about falling going to the chains, when you plan on letting go once you get there anyway.

Wes

Post by **canadaclimbergirl** » Fri Sep 12, 2003 7:03 pm

I hope you tell your belayer that you are going to 'take big whippers' intentionally.

I am always prepared for catching my leader, however it is uncomfortable for me. having a leader do it on purpose without my knowing would piss me off.

120lbs doesn't stay on the ground very easily.

On the other side of the rope, I am still scared of falling, so I don't 'push the envelope' (thanks andy) while leading. yup....I'm a pussy.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Sep 12, 2003 7:03 pm

What A man!!!!!

Post by **Christian** » Fri Sep 12, 2003 7:04 pm

I use to have so many car wrecks as a youngster I felt like Iwas in slomo. Is it like that Wes?

Post by **Wes** » Fri Sep 12, 2003 7:06 pm

Having you go up in the air is a good thing, helps with the soft catch. Like even though I am 190, I get a few feet in the air while catching 130 pound people all the time.

I let them know when I going to come off on purpose, but not when I break a hold!!

Wes

Post by **Wes** » Fri Sep 12, 2003 7:14 pm

Christian wrote:I use to have so many car wrecks as a youngster I felt like Iwas in slomo. Is it like that Wes?

Not really like that for me. More like a roller coster going down a big hill. Or like, when you are standing in an elevator, going down, and it just sorta drops. That is the feeling. At least for me.

Wes

Post by **Christian** » Fri Sep 12, 2003 7:15 pm

Post by **loren** » Fri Sep 12, 2003 7:22 pm

Christian, they obviously weren't slow motion enough for you to avoid hitting whatever it was that you were prone to hitting.

For me, falling is fast and furious. I usually scream like a little girl too. As for falling on purpose, I don't. I take enough falls on accident that I don't feel any need to push the envelope by taking flight intentionally.

Post by **air canada** » Fri Sep 12, 2003 8:22 pm

I think about the closest I get to an intentional fall these days is when I get to a bolt and I can't get the rope in the draw. After falling a couple times with rope out its something I'd care to avoid, so I'll drop. Falling is still something that happens regularly, though. And usually its pretty relaxed.
CCG-I don't think you'd want to belay me, although I think it would be kind of fun. 120 lbs = nice soft catch.

Post by **Wes** » Fri Sep 12, 2003 8:26 pm

CCG, just have him stick clip the third bolt, and hang on for the ride!! If there is anything more fun then falling, it is getting rocketed 10 feet of the ground giving a soft catch.

Wes