Check out your line! It is amazing how important it is to prepare yourself for the climb that you plan! Strategy… Where are your rests?… What sections are harder and where are the better holds? How's my gear?… The more you know the more predictable your performance is. Here Jake is sussing out and making the challenge look like a cake walk. Introduction to rock climbing course at Mission Trails in San Diego.
Climbing "Southwest Corner" in Joshua Tree National Park. One of the more spectacular beginner routes with great exposure and real summit feeling. Topping out on this tower formation requires a short but steep rappel down to the ground.
One of the most important pieces of equipment in rock climbing: the tubular belay device – often called "ATC" – which is "Black Diamond's" version of this type belay device. It is also the preferred piece of equipment for rappeling. Can't miss it on your harness. Have fun climbing! On belay!
Wild stemming up the Dihedral. Beautiful Finger Crack in the middle of the open book… This is coarse and buggy. Thin gear and technical climbing lead up to a short lieback crux. This climb gets a 5.11a/b rating in most of the guidebooks. Aesthetic line… Wants to be climbed. Joshua Tree. On belay
Still a few more moves to go… top gets closer and closer. Finn Bredenberg busting out one move after the other at San Diego's local crag "Mission Trails". Climbs up to 100feet/30m and beautiful views… Dancing on granite :) @finnbredenberg PC @shepherdimages
First time rock climbing! Introduction to rock climbing class! Carey and Tim enjoying their first session on a beautiful day at Mission Trails in San Diego. It is amazing how much you can learn in just a few hours. And realize how easy it can be to scale a rock that you thought only super humans could do
San Diego, Mission Trails! Another beautiful day with great views. Nick is getting some climbing done on "mission control" (5.8). This climbing area is only a 20 minutes drive from the beaches or downtown. Great spot to get a few hours of climbing in. The whole cliff side is southwest facing – therefore one of the few places where you can enjoy shady climbing in the early, which is essential for San Diego's hot summers. Way to go @chefnickbrune
Climbing without a rope (free-soloing) is not dangerous! 99.99% of all climbers who free solo know what they are doing. Most of them have climbed their free solo route x-times before they even consider a rope less ascent. They pick their route difficulty much below of what their limit is. Free solo climbers want to know what they get into. They want to have a 100% control over what they are doing – there is absolutely no room for error and they know that!As a free solo climber you should be aware of two things:1. What is my physical limit and technical skill?2. What is my psyche? How do I deal with the fact that there is no room for error?#1 is all about what your body can do. Are you flexible? Do you know how to move your body? Do you have the strength to hold a certain hand hold?#2 is a much more complex area because it addresses your psyche directly. Are you comfortable with heights? Can you stay calm and not become hectic when you encounter a difficult section of the climb? Can you maintain your breathing at a constant pace? Are you scared? Do you picture consequences often – what if…? Knowing what your body can do is the best precondition for building your mental strength. After that it is all about your mental conditioning. This touches upon your every day life personality… How many risks are you willing to take? Do you have goals in life? Are you concerned with failing? How hard do you try to achieve your goals and the list goes on… It is inevitable to mention that mastering both skills (physical+mental) make up a good free solo climber – knowing your skill and being confident about it makes you forget about all the what if's?A strong climber may never attempt a free solo climb due to mental limits. A weaker climber with a strong mind may consider a free solo climb more likelier than the above.Please give me se input about free solo climbing as there are certainly more aspects to it than what I mentioned above.Know yourself and know what your limits are… And don't forget to push them once in a while (does not have to be a free-solo ;) Stay safe!
Last move to the top! While others are relaxing, Jamie is going for it! Joshua Tree are always guaranteed good times. Wether you are climbing or just lean back and enjoy magic landscapes… Climbing season starts mid October and runs through May. The winter destination number one for US climbing. While most other areas are shut down by snow,rain and freezing temps "JTree" is mostly just fine! Only few days are windy, cold or even snowy. Find out yourself and visit this beautiful place on earth. PC @shepherdimages always rock'n it @jaimiegunn chillin on the ground @calistyla and @erica___claire