Monday, July 25, 2011
Make the Most of Your Climbing Trip- Planning Tips
Summer is a great time for climbing trips. The alpine climbing in the Sierra, bouldering in Squamish, big wall climbing in Yosemite, traditional climbing in the Needles, and sport climbing in the far off regions of Rifle are all in great condition. Fill the car, grab a plane ticket and you're off to the climbing. Making big plans are easy. Making them happen are a little bit harder. Here's a great set of tips to make your climbing goals happen.
James Lucas trying a route on Yosemite's Killer Pillar
Be Realistic. Don't plan on sending your hardest route or problem on a trip. It's difficult to work projects on the road because of time, weather, and other mishaps. Set goals that you can easily achieve. Completing a route is way better than leaving behind a project.
Kim Groebner sending her boulder problem project in Bishop
When visiting a new area, whether it's indoor or outdoor, sample the climbing. Trying a lot of routes or boulder problems will help you get a lay of the land, learn what you want to project, and help you get the basic skills of an area. Start small and get in tune with the climbing.
Jens Holsten acclimatizing to the mountains in Alaska
Be flexible. The weather might not be ideal the entire time, there could be partner problems, or you may injure yourself. Having more than one goal will help in the case of foul weather. Steep rock will often stay drier in bad weather. Slab routes are great to climb when it's cold. If the weather is nothing like you planned, make the most of the situation and check out formations you want to climb in the future. A little knowledge about where the climb is and what it looks like will prepare you for a future ascent.
Jens Holsten on the Northwest Face of Half Dome.
Have fun. One of the most important parts of climbing is having a good time. Stay stress free- if you injure yourself and you'll recover faster. It will also make partner situations a little more relaxing.
Stop by your nearest Touchstone climbing gym, grab some chalk, bars, and a guidebook to your destination climbing area. Get out there and have fun.
James Lucas trying a route on Yosemite's Killer Pillar
Be Realistic. Don't plan on sending your hardest route or problem on a trip. It's difficult to work projects on the road because of time, weather, and other mishaps. Set goals that you can easily achieve. Completing a route is way better than leaving behind a project.
Kim Groebner sending her boulder problem project in Bishop
When visiting a new area, whether it's indoor or outdoor, sample the climbing. Trying a lot of routes or boulder problems will help you get a lay of the land, learn what you want to project, and help you get the basic skills of an area. Start small and get in tune with the climbing.
Jens Holsten acclimatizing to the mountains in Alaska
Be flexible. The weather might not be ideal the entire time, there could be partner problems, or you may injure yourself. Having more than one goal will help in the case of foul weather. Steep rock will often stay drier in bad weather. Slab routes are great to climb when it's cold. If the weather is nothing like you planned, make the most of the situation and check out formations you want to climb in the future. A little knowledge about where the climb is and what it looks like will prepare you for a future ascent.
Jens Holsten on the Northwest Face of Half Dome.
Have fun. One of the most important parts of climbing is having a good time. Stay stress free- if you injure yourself and you'll recover faster. It will also make partner situations a little more relaxing.
Stop by your nearest Touchstone climbing gym, grab some chalk, bars, and a guidebook to your destination climbing area. Get out there and have fun.
Labels: Climbing Tips, Jens Holsten
¶ Monday, July 25, 2011
