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| no partners | | This was an "outdoor class" but I must confess I borrowed that Outdoor Safety name from another person to protect my family from shock. This was a Big Wall Class designed for the basics and beginners. Six of us plus one instructor spent two full 12 hour days hanging on the rocks learning lots. This is so very different than basic rock climbing and is often referred to as aid climbing. We learned about big wall ratings, to use the ascending gear, cleaning and placing, along with pendulum moves. We learned the importance of house keeping, hauling and how to use pulley systems, traversing roofs, about gear that I have never heard of before and about port-a-ledges all in a very casual setting. My brain was ready to burst.
I did experience my first gear failure and took a 25 foot free fall. One malfunction led to the next and eventually the problem "tail" burned through while in my hand during the fall, resulting in a recovery that gently stopped me inches before impact. I would never have believed it if I wasn't in the fall itself or watching it. It all took less than a second. All of my injuries are superficial and I am just fine mentally. I did get a call from Petzl just this morning and we worked through the events together. A fix is in process and hopefully it won't happen to anyone else 
The class was great and I learned lots. I've got a long way to go before I'm "ready" for a Big Wall but I AM working towards it and have started The Big Dream. |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
