Tonight was the first of three sessions of the Fast Forward 1 course at Sportrock, focusing on wall contact and sequencing. I was a little hesitant at first, concerned that the class might be geared more toward beginner than intermediate climbers, but the staff member at the front desk guaranteed me that was not the case and I would most certainly learn something (and to see him if I didn’t). There are three of us taking this course, and I quickly realized that we were all on somewhat similar levels – everyone had some previous climbing experience and was looking to move forward with their strength, power, endurance and techniques.
Air Traffic Control, this is Black Diamond
December 2, 2008 by · Leave a Comment
Made a quick stop at EMS after work this evening to pick up an ATC and locking carabiner. Ended up going with the Black Diamond Big Air Package, as it came with both pieces of equipment for a reasonable price of $29.50 (before my 15% Sportrock discount!). There are several types of ATCs available these days; Black Diamond alone has four, each with varying features depending on the type of climbing you are doing. The most basic model (aptly named “ATC”) is the one I am most familiar with and will suit me just well for indoor climbing at Sportrock. As I get more advanced, and start doing outdoor and higher profile climbs, I may need to upgrade to a different model, such as the ATC-XP.
Why, Hello V5
December 1, 2008 by · Leave a Comment
Had a great two hours at Sportrock this evening. Met up with my buddy Corey, who is a better climber than I am which really helps me reach further and hold on longer in an attempt to keep up. There is a V5 marked by teal-colored tape in the near corner of the bouldering area that I had been working for about a week now, but kept getting stuck on the fourth move over and over again. The hold itself wasn’t bad, as you can get all four fingers planted to the first joint, which is plenty to hold on with. Turned out I was shifting my weight incorrectly to stick the fourth move. After watching Corey do it effortlessly, I realized the error in my ways and nailed it with ease. I was pretty stoked to both finally complete that problem and top out my first V5 at Sportrock. Granted, it was an easier V5… but a V5 nonetheless.
