Climbers looking to learn March 9-15

[Pisano27]

Like I said before, looking for a group discount on class this upcoming week. Need two more ( Alpinestar18?) to qualify for KragKY.com's total price of $115 (28 bucks each) Groupon of 4 people (5 hour class).

[whatahutch]

Pisano, always remember that you CAN DIE doing this sport. Remember to always double check everything before you leave the ground. Check your equipment and knots, and your belayer's, and vice-versa. NEVER LEAVE THE GROUND WITHOUT DOUBLE CHECKING EVERYTHING. Please practice leading and lead belaying in the gym. Please practice cleaning in the gym, lots and lots and lots of times, before cleaning outside. Never unclip your cleaning gear from a wall until you have tested that your rope is in direct to the anchors and accepts weight. If you are rapping down, make sure that your device will hold your weight before you unclip your cleaning gear from the wall. NEVER clean without double checking and testing everything twice. Ask someone at Miggies if you can go out with them to belay, watch, learn, and top rope. Never accept a belay from a stranger. Watch them belay first. Wear a helmet, even if you feel ugly with one on your head. It is okay to be a dork; it is much cooler than death.

Try to get a climbing mentor, somehow. Try to find someone with more knowledge than you and learn by asking them questions, listening to them, watching them, accepting critique from them, and participating with them in climbing outdoors. Go outside with them often, and then come back to the Red again with them. The Red is beautiful and awesome.

Do not think that you will ever best death through experience, certifications, horcruxes, equipment, or arrogance.

Don't drink and do drugs while doing this sport either.

YOU CAN DIE DOING THIS SPORT.

With that being said. The first time I went outside to lead by myself, I went with two other dudes that had not ever lead outside either. In your scenario, two partners could be better than one. If something did happen one person could stay at the scene while another runs for help. We had all been practicing everything indoors, a lot. We had all been climbing outside before too, but never leading or cleaning. We were trained by experienced climbers with certifications. It also helped that the people showing us the ropes inside always stressed that we could die. We learned to clean 10 foot off the floor, and not 100 foot. Our mistakes were seen by others and we learned from them in a safe way. We didn't learn 100 foot off the ground where a mistake will kill you. It was still stupid that we didn't go outside for the first time with experienced outdoor climbers though.

We went to Pistol Ridge. There are easy routes there to learn on, and a couple boulder problems too. The view is also nice. I suggest it as a crag for you to visit while at the Red.

I hope you enjoy your spring break week. It sounds like you will have a good time. Enjoy the Red and be safe.

[Rollo]

Nobody seems to be asking the pertinent questions here... are you and your friend hot strippers that will do anything with a little liquor in you?

[clif]

i object with prejudice, but concur.