An Introduction to Rock Climbing… plus, that’s what this educational class was all about. And what a day. They got a lot done and went the distance both in the area of learning and vertically. On point — leading — for this training was Redline Guide Glenn Van Neil. Glenn supplied the words and photos which follow:
Our guest hadn’t climb outdoors (or really at all) in the last 20 years. He wanted an introduction — or really a reintroduction — to outdoor rock with a progression of increasing difficulty. Cathedral Ledge was our spot and we had 4 climbs identified” Child’s Play (5.6), Kiddy Crack 5.7), the Mantle Problem (5.8) and finally Birds Nest 5.9). Hadn’t climbed in 20 years? No problem!
We also practiced our rock climbing vocabulary. Examples:
- Slicker Than Snot = polished rock
- Pumpy = serious hand jams and finger work
- Sandbagged = much harder than the report grade because it’s… Slicker Than Snot.
Great day in the sun! —Glenn
