1. Position Yourself Correctly

Before you attempt to clip, ensure that you are in a stable position. Find a secure stance where you can balance without exerting too much energy. This might involve shifting your weight to a solid foothold or finding a rest position. Stability is key to avoiding awkward or rushed clips that could lead to mistakes.

2. Practice Efficient Hand Movements

Minimizing the amount of time your hand is off the rock is crucial. Practice the hand movements required to clip until they become second nature. This includes grabbing the rope, bringing it to the quickdraw, and clipping it in one smooth motion. Repetition will help build muscle memory, allowing you to clip quickly without overthinking.

3. Use the Correct End of the Rope

Always make sure you’re clipping the rope with the end that comes from your harness, not the slack end. This prevents the possibility of back-clipping, which can cause the rope to unclip itself if you fall. Double-check your rope’s orientation to avoid this dangerous mistake.

4. Avoid Overextending

Reaching too far above your head to clip can be both inefficient and tiring. If possible, move up to a more comfortable position before clipping. Overextending can lead to poor clipping technique and increase the risk of falling while your arm is extended and fatigued.

5. Master Both Hands

While it might feel more natural to clip with your dominant hand, it’s important to practice clipping with both hands. This versatility will allow you to clip from different positions on the wall, depending on where the quickdraw is relative to your body.

6. Learn the “Z-Clip” Avoidance

A common mistake among beginners is the “Z-Clip,” where the rope is accidentally clipped into the wrong quickdraw in a way that creates a Z-shape. This error can cause dangerous rope drag and hinder upward progress. Always pay attention to where the rope is coming from before clipping, ensuring it runs smoothly from your harness to the next quickdraw.

7. Keep the Rope in Front of Your Body

When clipping, make sure the rope stays in front of your body and doesn’t get caught between your legs. This positioning reduces the risk of the rope flipping behind your legs and potentially tripping you or causing an awkward fall if you slip.

8. Develop a Pre-Clipping Routine

Just as you have a routine for tying in, develop a quick mental and physical routine before each clip. This could involve checking your stance, taking a breath, and then clipping. A routine helps ensure consistency and reduces the likelihood of making mistakes under pressure.

9. Utilize Proper Quickdraw Technique

There are two main techniques for clipping the rope into a quickdraw: the “pinch clip” and the “thumb flick.” For the pinch clip, hold the carabiner steady with your thumb and index finger, then push the rope in with your other fingers. For the thumb flick, hold the rope with your thumb and flick it into the carabiner. Practice both to see which one works best for you in different situations.

10. Stay Calm and Don’t Rush

When you’re on a tough route or feeling pumped, it’s easy to rush a clip and make mistakes. Staying calm and taking a moment to focus can help you clip more efficiently. Remember, a smooth, accurate clip is faster and safer than a rushed, sloppy one.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of clipping takes time and practice, but with these tips, you’ll be on your way to clipping like a pro. Keep in mind that every climb is different, and adapting these techniques to your specific needs will help you climb more confidently and safely. Happy climbing!

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The Impact of Climbing Gyms on Outdoor Climbing

1. Increased Interest in Climbing: The surge in climbing gyms has introduced many newcomers to the sport. These gyms provide a safe and accessible introduction to climbing, which has expanded the sport’s reach beyond traditional outdoor enthusiasts. This increased interest has led to a greater number of climbers venturing into natural climbing areas.

2. Education and Awareness Gaps: One significant challenge is the education gap that exists between indoor and outdoor climbing. While gyms focus on technique and safety in a controlled environment, they often do not adequately address the ethical considerations and environmental impact associated with outdoor climbing. Climbers who transition from gyms to outdoor settings may not always be aware of the importance of responsible practices and conservation efforts.

3. Environmental and Ethical Considerations: The explosion of climbing gyms has sometimes led to increased foot traffic in natural areas as climbers seek outdoor experiences. Without proper education on Leave No Trace principles and the ethics of outdoor climbing, this influx can result in environmental degradation and damage to climbing sites.

Bridging the Education Gap

To address these challenges and preserve the integrity of outdoor climbing areas, it is essential to bridge the education gap and promote responsible climbing practices. Here are some steps climbers can take to help maintain the natural beauty of climbing areas:

1. Educate Yourself and Others:
   • Learn Leave No Trace Principles: Familiarize yourself with the seven Leave No Trace principles, which provide guidelines for minimizing your impact on the environment.
   • Understand Local Regulations: Different climbing areas have specific regulations designed to protect natural resources and wildlife. Be sure to research and follow these rules.
2. Support Conservation Efforts:
   • Participate in Clean-Up Events: Many climbing organizations and local groups host clean-up events to maintain and restore climbing areas. Volunteering for these events helps keep the environment pristine.
   • Donate to Conservation Organizations: Support organizations dedicated to the preservation of climbing areas and natural landscapes through donations or membership.
3. Promote Responsible Climbing Practices:
   • Respect Wildlife and Vegetation: Avoid disturbing wildlife and trampling on sensitive vegetation. Stick to established trails and climbing routes to minimize environmental impact.
   • Practice Ethical Climbing: Avoid chipping or altering rock surfaces and use only designated climbing routes. Respect the cultural and historical significance of climbing areas.
4. Encourage Gym Education Programs:
   • Advocate for Comprehensive Training: Encourage climbing gyms to include education on outdoor ethics and conservation in their training programs. Gyms can play a crucial role in preparing climbers for responsible outdoor practices.
5. Be a Role Model:
   • Lead by Example: Demonstrate responsible behavior in outdoor climbing areas. Your actions can influence others and help foster a culture of environmental stewardship within the climbing community.

In conclusion, while the explosion of climbing gyms has opened doors to many new climbers and contributed to the sport’s popularity, it has also highlighted the need for better education on outdoor ethics and conservation. By taking proactive steps to bridge the education gap and promote responsible climbing practices, we can ensure that outdoor climbing areas remain intact and enjoyable for future generations. As the climbing community continues to grow, it is crucial to balance our passion for the sport with a commitment to preserving the natural landscapes that make climbing possible.

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She is motivated, energetic and determined to cruise this challenging route. 

Great job Alisa!

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Pamela working the high step. She is a natural when it comes to walking on walls.

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Here we will try to explain some of the process in terms of speed and cost.

After careful comparison, the results showed that if someone wants to get the most effective experience or instruction, hiring a professional is best. 

If someone chooses to save money in equipment and professional instruction in the spirits of “doing it yourself” they should be prepared to develop at a slower rate and learn more lessons by mistakes.  At some point, depending on what your final desired outcome is, trying to save money or doing it yourself, will eventually costs more in time spent correcting those mistakes.

If you ask yourself, when does it pay to hire a guide? Take the time to evaluate your situation and desired goal, then do comprehensive research before making a final decision.

Sometimes it pays to be cheap. But at some point, you pay by being cheap.

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How to enter? Please follow all steps carefully, to ensure entry.

1.  Us on Facebook
2. Upload a SUPER RAD Outdoor Adventure Photo on our Facebook Page with the following hash-tag in the comments #RCEDGIVEAWAY
3. Share your Uploaded photo, posted on our page, on your Timeline

Watch your “like” count. The more likes you get, the more chances you have to win. Limited to 3 separate entries per person total, following the steps above per entry/per photo. Must be 18 years or older to participate. Photo(s) must be owned and taken by you. Winner of our “I Love Movies” Giveaway will be chosen at random and announced Friday, October 17th, 2014.

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We are going to work out at Sender One today 8/20/2014! After 6pm. So come meet some of our rock climbing instructors and start becoming a part of the climbing community.

Tie-in and belay test required to get on ropes.

Bring your own rope if you are planning on leading, also requires passing a test if your first visit.

If you’ve never been to Sender One, here’s a few tips to get you started:

• Fill out their **Online Waiver ** before arrival for faster check in at the front desk.
• Get belay certified if you’ve climbed on ropes before. – Takes roughly 10 minutes by a Sender One instructor: Tie-in, safety checks, belay techniques, and communication call outs.
• Admission is $20 for an all day adult pass. $6 gear package rental (Shoes, Harness, & Chalk Bag) available if you don’t have your own stuff.

Next week, 8/27/2014 we are working out at Top Out Climbing Gym. Also after 6pm. Another great opportunity to meet our rock climbing instructors, mingle and meet new people.

They offer two types of climbing:

Auto-Belay 

An auto belay is an automated braking system that eliminates the need for human belayers (CLIP AND GO!). Our auto belay area is a less intimidating area that is perfect for kids and the beginning climber while still appealing to experienced climbers. Participants can climb without a partner and enjoy the thrill of climbing up to the ceiling on their very first visit.

Bouldering 

Our bouldering area is the heart and soul of the gym and is a sight to behold. Featuring a 100 foot long steep wall, a 20 foot high top out wall, and a 15 foot high freestanding boulder, our bouldering terrain has something to offer for anyone. All of our bouldering zones feature thick custom fit foam landing areas for superior safety and protection.

At Top Out, they are passionate about rock climbing. Their climbing routes and boulder problems are set by some of the best route setters in the world and offers some of the most diverse and exciting indoor rock climbing terrain in the nation. Their walls will challenge beginners and advanced climbers mentally and physically, and will leave you going home with a wonderful workout and a smile on your face.

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Now a days there are many indoor possibilities for rock climbers. So not only you have the option to train, but you also have the comfort of having lighting at night, minimal or no approach and more. Regardless of these options, some still can’t find the time to train, stay in shape and enjoy the rock climbing sport overall. So what else can you do?

There is a saying, “where there is a will, there is away . . .”. That is something that we will apply to the alternative options available.

Find time to rock climb. We all know jobs are mentally and physically demanding. Being in good shape and finding a good balance between work and play are very important for our overall health. There is also the age factor, “you aren’t getting any younger . . .”, so when you keep postponing those things you love and make you happy for later on in life, you may not be able to enjoy them the same way.

There is another term we love to use, “YOLO – you only live once . . . “. We are not, by any means, saying you should be irresponsible. We are simply stating the fact that you only live once, and there are opportunities you will have that will never come around again.

If you work too many hours, find a gym close to your job. If you have kids, bring them with you or ask a friend to watch them for you (climbing is a family oriented activity). If you don’t have a climbing partner, go the extra mile to make new friends within the climbing community or join local climbing network groups (for example check out SoCal Mountaineers). Take a rock climbing class with us, we strives at making sure no climber is left behind. Bottom line is, you have options. The tricky part is, finding the one that works for your schedule.

Making the time to do healthy activities you love is important and good for your health. Your body and mind will Thank You.

Climb on and stay safe!

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Rock climbing is a great activity and sport to be shared with the entire family. It has helped many get a different perspective of life, its obstacles and how to overcome them with hard work and focus. For others, it has become therapy towards overcoming fears we face on our daily lives. Fear or getting hurt, fear of not being able to do something we want to do, fear of failure, fear of what others might think if we fail.

So the next time you see us and ask, “hey, what are you doing tomorrow?” you can be 99% sure we will respond with, “tomorrow we will be rock climbing once again” because every morning, day and night the mountains call for us and we must go to them.

Climb on and stay safe!

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 Our students and their accomplishments are key to our success!

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