Anyone interested in rock climbing?

Fritzski · Post by **Fritzski** » Oct 08 2002 10:22 am

Ive begun to get back into rock climbing after a nearly 30 year hiatus. It is my intention to be able to integrate it in with hiking to allow for some good adventures. So far I've been able to work it in on a couple recent canyoneering hikes.

I'm looking for partner(s) to go sport climbing (Devil's Canyon, etc.) or even meet at the Phoenix Rock Gym for a little work. It is not my intention to (nor am I any longer physically able to) do anything of any degree of real difficulty. Just simple, safe, and fun.

Daryl · Post by **Daryl** » Oct 08 2002 11:23 am

I might be interested. I rock climbed a lot in Wisconsin, but since I moved out here 5 years ago I've only been out a few times.
It's odd, because rock climbing was one of the reasons I moved out here...

I've done mostly top rope stuff, and only played around a little with lead climbing so I'd need to do a little learning. I do have a lot of gear though.

ck_1 · Post by **ck_1** » Oct 08 2002 3:26 pm

I'm in. I've just replaced my shoes...which to date them were green and florescent pink...anyway...I'm interested. I've been looking into an AMC class to refresh my skills.

Fritzski - if I remember correctly, you live in Gilbert, which is opening a new indoor climbing wall at the sports facility at Freestone Park...might be closer to home than Phx Rock Gym...don't know about prices though...

Sande J · Post by **Sande J** » Oct 09 2002 10:01 pm

The Freestone Center is going to be run by the city, and as far as I know, very affordable for the families...probably somewhere in the area of $200 a year for the family, but dont quote me.
I would love to rock climb anytime at any one of these localities...so I would love to give it a whirl.
Keep me posted guys!
Sande J

Fritzski · Post by **Fritzski** » Oct 10 2002 2:52 pm

Thanks for the replies guys. Now that we know whos interested lets give each other an email any time we're looking for a partner.

I'm out till late next week (Th-Fr) and maybe can go then if I don't go hiking - no firm plans yet.

Nighthiker · Post by **Nighthiker** » Oct 10 2002 8:48 pm

I use to carry a rope and equipment to rappel down into some canyons such as Devils, Tortilla and Chevlon and it has been quite some time since I did this.

olesma · Post by **olesma** » Oct 17 2002 2:42 pm

I'm interested as well - but first I have to save up and buy me some shoes. Unless anyone has a pair of 13 1/2 size climbers they are willing to share/sell/part with.

As far as I know only 5-10 makes anything large enough to fit my bananna boats. About $100 for those bad boys.

And just in case you were wondering - I am 6' 4" - so the large feet are kind of necessary.

ck_1 · Post by **ck_1** » Oct 17 2002 10:22 pm

olesma wrote:As far as I know only 5-10 makes anything large enough to fit my bananna boats. About $100 for those bad boys. .

You might try Climb High...my buddy has boats as well and he bought his thru them...

Fritzski · Post by **Fritzski** » Oct 18 2002 9:11 pm

Hey Olesma. If you can get a pair of shoes for $100, that's about the minimum you will find anywhere. I did hear of a web site that offered for less from overseas someplace, but can't remember what it was - sorry, a gal at REI told me about it.

ChrisAZ · Post by **ChrisAZ** » Oct 22 2002 2:34 pm

If you get together for some climbing let me know, I would be interested. I am good with indoor or outdoor. Practice always helps.

- Chris

Fritzski · Post by **Fritzski** » Oct 27 2002 10:06 am

I went and got checked out for belaying at the Red Mountain MGC climbing wall yesterday. It took about an hour and cost $5 and now I'm certified to belay someone. Trouble is, whoever I go with can't belay me until they get checked out. Cost is only $3/day, harness is free, and shoes $1.

The Phoenix Rock Gym only takes about 15 minutes to get checked out and is a much larger facility, but costs I think $7 or $10 (can't remember) plus any equipment rental.

Bruce and I have been going out to Queen Creek Canyon (cost is FREE!:) during the week and checking out the different established climbing areas (Upper & Lower Devil's, and the Road Area) with literally hundreds of established prebolted climbs. Thur. we found the most awesome spot. It is called the "Mine Area" ($2 map/guide available at REI). The beauty and serenety of this spot knocked my socks off, and the climbs are so accessible with no scrambling and bushwhacking. So many of the areas up there have surrounding terrain that makes one real nervous with kids or dogs. This place is so nice your Grandmother would enjoy coming along to watch and soak in the surroundings. Paved road all the way to parking. A great spot to just hike and explore the myriad of rock formations and hoodoos.

We have plans to incorporate hiking and climbing with Weavers Needle first on our list. Others include The Fortress at the top of the Cave Trail, Miners Needle, and Buzzards Roost in the Supes. Also a multi-pitch climb and hike to the top on Granite Mt. (Prescott), Courthouse Rock (Eagletails), and Baboquiviri.

I have a 5 hour private lesson for two of us sheduled for Thur. with Az Climbing Adventure School in the McDowells if anyone is interested. The neat thing is instead of teaching a rigid level (like Beginner I or II) to a group of eight like he does on weekends, he will tailor the lesson specifically to our skill level and its cheaper too! Cost is $100.

cactuscat · Post by **cactuscat** » Oct 28 2002 11:13 am

Hey Fritzski ... I want to climb Weaver's Needle! I have very limited climbing experience from a few years back, and just some occasional bouldering since then. I'm gonna go and get certified at Red Mountain by next week. Do you want to get together after that? -- Kelly

ck_1 · Post by **ck_1** » Oct 28 2002 6:50 pm

Fritzski - I didn't even know that Red Mtn MGC had a rock wall, is it decent? I mean the price is right, but only if the product is there...what are your thoughts? At 3 bucks for the night, I'd be more than willing to climb there once a week or so if you're interested.

I'm jealous as hell about the class, wish I could join you.

arizonaheat · Post by **arizonaheat** » Oct 28 2002 7:09 pm

I frequent Red Mtn, as that is where I work out. Maybe I will get a chance to bump into some of you, that would be cool.

Daryl · Post by **Daryl** » Oct 29 2002 6:58 am

I'd be down to meet at red mountain MGC one afternoon every week. I work 15 minutes from there.
What day time would be good for anyone? Wed or Thur, 3pm or later would work best for me.

Fritzski · Post by **Fritzski** » Oct 29 2002 4:16 pm

Kelly: We may be going for the Needle as soon as next week. I hope you understand if I'm reluctant to invite someone I haven't met on a climb like that. If I'd done it before, it might be a little different, but since I haven't, I'm not exactly sure what to expect. This much I do know. It is a long and brutal hike in and out, the climbing although supposedly on the easy side is lengthy (3 or 4 pitches), it is very exposed in spots with poor protection, and the quality of the rock is less then stellar. If we don't end up going till some future date, and I get the chance to do some climbing and/or hiking with you maybe that would work out.

Colin: I would say the wall at RM is worth it for $3 and the convenience. It is a small, but nice wall with about 20 routes - most geared more for the beginner climber, but a couple way beyond my abilities. I like the PRG much better since it seems a bit more laid back and tons of fun routes for every level. If you're just trying to get some training in between climbs, RM will give a plenty good pump.

Daryl: I've got my lesson day after tomorrow, so I'm out for this week, but maybe next. Have you been checked out down there yet? They have belay classes several times per week. Their web site is http://www.parksrec/sportsrecreation/jeffgym.com and their phone number is 480-644-4800.

Daryl · Post by **Daryl** » Oct 30 2002 6:30 am

I haven't been there yet. Do you have to take the belay class, or can you just test out?

Fritzski · Post by **Fritzski** » Oct 30 2002 8:02 am

It bites, but you have to take the class and it takes about an hour. If we went, I could belay you, but they wouldn't let you belay me. Cost is $5 and they offer it about twice during the week and once on Sat.s. Check website or call.

ck_1 · Post by **ck_1** » Oct 30 2002 8:35 am

Wednesdays would work for me (though I'd have to set the VCR for The West Wing

)...I'm going to check it out later this week and I'll get back to you.

cactuscat · Post by **cactuscat** » Oct 31 2002 1:44 pm

Fritzski -- No problem, I understand - besides, I'm in no hurry. Good luck with the climb - I assume you'll be posting pictures, right? I'm going to look into the belay class soon and I'll keep you posted. Have fun! :mrgreen: --Kelly