Harness Up Already!

So last time we talked about how to get out and try rock climbing, and by hopefully you have. But, if your like a lot of people you are nervous because you don't know anything and don't want to look like a fool. Well put your minds at ease because you will not look like one, especially if you read on because I am going to to start to finish on how to actually get onto the rock.

So after you have arrived and done all the paperwork and those little details, chances are you are going to be renting a harness, shoes and possibly a helmet. So here is how you get into your harness. First you will notice that there are three large loops. Two of which are the same size and one a little larger. The largest of the three is the waist, sometimes also distinguished by a different labeling or smaller loops on the sides of it. You want to hold the waist belt in your hands and lower the entire harness toward the ground that way you can slip it on as if it were a pair of shorts. You will also notice a fourth much smaller loop known as the belay loop. The belay loop needs to be oriented to the front as if it were a zipper on the pretend shorts.

Once both feet are in the harness you can pull it up to your waist, which should be just below your belly button. Note this is higher than we generally wer our pants, but it is out of saftey that we do this so please make sure that it is where it needs to be. From here you need to tighten the waist stap so that it does not fall back to the ground. Start by just pulling the free end of the strap until it is tight. Tight meaning you should only be able to get two fingers between your hip and you harness. You then need to do the same things with the leg loops. AT THIS POINT YOUR HARNESS IS ON BUT NOT SAFE TO CLIMB IN! What needs to happen now is what is called doubling back. This is the process of re threading the strap back through the buckle to ensure that it locks on itself and will not slip out. Prior to starting the process you will notice that there is an opening at each side of the buckle essentially creating an "O" for oh no, this is not safe. To remedy this take the end of the strap and pass it through the farthest opening in the buckle, and pull tight. It will create a "C" shape meaning it is closed and safe. This process will also need to be done to the leg loops. At this point you are ready to get going.

So head to the climbing surface and get mentally prepared, try setting goals for yourself. But do not start climbing. you fist need to be hooked into the rope. However the methods preferred by different climbing establishments vary so check and see the particular method they want you to use. After being hooked or tied in there is a basic procedure that needs to be checked EVERY time before getting started. First is the buddy check. This is where you will check to make sure you belayer is doubled back, and has the belay device properly attached. (Actual belaying will be covered in a future posting). Then they will do the same for you. after this careful inspection you are ready to go. But in order to make sure that the rope system is ready there are a series of four short commands to make sure everyone is on the same page. The dialogue goes as follows:
CLIMBER: On Belay?
BELAYER: Belay Is On.
CLIMBER: Climbing?
BELAYER: Climb On.

Now get going up the wall. After you have reached the top of the wall or your comfot limit, and are ready to come down communicate with your belayer. Advise them you are finished and you should feel them tighten up the rope. Now you are going to wait for an okay signal that they have you on the rope. After receiving this signal, you need to just let go of the holds and sit back in you harness as if ti were a chair. By walking you feet down the wall you will avoid banging into holds and injuring yourself.

Hopefully you now feel a bit more confident and are ready to get out and push your limits. Next weeks lesson will be on the art of moving yourself up the holds much like a monkey in the rain forest, being naturally fluid and balanced.