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So, another week come and gone. Not much to tell this week really. Learnt some more techniques like swapping feet on the same bit if space, more on general technique and how the climb grades work.
Hard to say if getting any better at this stage, still can only climb 3 or 4 easy (13-15 grade walls), probably need to do a little more strength training and maybe climb more that one day a week - ahhh great, more money to spend. Harry and G (kids) came along last night - thanks for the belay Harry. G, as per usual is like a monkey up a tree. Harry was listening on the course (in the background) and seemed to pick up some good info, then applying it to a few walls he climbed. All n all, a good night - gotta do something about the dad bod and dad strength (read lack of).
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Ok, so bit late with posting this, however attended the first of 3 sessions for Fundamental Skills and Techniques for Climbing at City Summit last Wednesday (7/2/18). Had a couple of really good instructors, Borg and Carmen. The session was only two hours long, however some really good info was gained.
There were 5 of us in total, everyone had a friend or partner, so I was the fifth wheel. As I don't have any climbing partners at the moment I guess I will have to get use to that :-) Climbed the first wall of the night - a kids / beginners wall. Got to the top, however there was much huffing, puffing, sweating and what is called brute strength, except in my case lacking the strength. By the time I got down, i was sweating like I just ran a marathon, my forearms felt like footballs (although still didn't look them) and were extremely painful. I thought, shit, how am I going to climb any more tonight. Anyway, both Borg and Carmen then went through proper climbing techniques, using legs, pivoting from side to side and using less arm strength. Also found out how important shoe sizing is. I originally had size 10 climbing shoes, however as Borg pointed out these were too big and were rolling on the climbs. Changed them out for a size 9 and very quickly discovered a little of what a ballerinas feet go through. Needless to say, they came off each time there was a break in climbing. Apparently this is not uncommon and some climbers are known to take shoes off between climbs. So, after learning the proper technique, I reluctantly started another climb. What a difference. Up and down the wall without any issues, no pain, huffing or puffing and no face that looks like an untreated inflamed hemorrhoid. Back again tonight for the second session. Will try and get some pictures and more valuable information. Looking forward to Rigging / Abseiling course this weekend :-) Sooooo, here I am - 44 years old and decided to get into mountaineering after a few years trekking. Why, who knows. My time in life I guess.......
My goal is attempting Mount Everest or another 8000m+ mountain (note attempting) in 2022, however, sooooo many factors - time, money, kids, wanting to die just yet...., so we will see where we get to. So, before that we need to make sure I can drag my ass up something a little smaller and have heaps of fun doing it. I have trekked in Nepal a few times, however not as yet completed any "Peak" Climbs. I current live in Perth, Australia with a height above sea level of 10m. Adding 8000m or so is a big jump, will see how it goes. It must be noted, that while I have this goal, I have no experience in climbing (Rock or Mountains), have little to no strength in my upper body (note that I have a "dad bod"), have grown up on the coast always close to water, and yet to be fully proven with heights :-) So here is my plan. 1. Learn the ropes, literally. 2. Take course in Rigging - care-of Sven from Space Chameleon Adventure Co (http://www.spacechameleonadventureco.com/) 3. Learn some rock climbing techniques - City Summit in Malaga, WA (www.citysummit.com.au) 4. Participate in an Alpine Course - this one with Alpine Guides in New Zealand, check them out (www.alpineguides.co.nz) 5. Join an advanced Mountaineering Course - again with Alpine Guides in New Zealand (www.alpineguides.co.nz) or organise a private course to specifically target areas for improvement. 6. Put whats learnt into practice. The plan is April 2019, walk from Jiri, Nepal to EBC, on the way back down, climb East Lobuche, then down to Island Peak and over the technical Amphu Laptsa Pass (5845m) and finally climbing Mera Peak 7. Climb Mount Cook and a few others in New Zealand 8. Climb Denali in Alaska 9. Climb Ama Dablam in Nepal (very technical climb) - I believe brown undies will be in order 10. Climb Cho Oyu (8021m) in Nepal to see how the body works, or more likely in my case doesn't work at 8000+m. 11. Climb some more, and more..... 12. Attempt the initial goal - my plan is to climb with a reputable company, however I do not want to be "dragged" up the mountain. My plan is to be self-sufficient and proficient in the mountains, hopefully minimising the risk of not coming home. Of course this will probably change as time goes on, however needed a starting point, so this is it. |
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