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kbphoenix
May 20, 2002, 6:26 PM
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What is your best advice as far as what to look for in experienced people to climb with, and also expressing gratitude... I know buying the beer is always a good plan. Also, some words of etiquette when starting out climbing with experienced climbers? I want them to want to climb with me again! [ This Message was edited by: kbphoenix on 2002-05-20 11:27 ]
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dunger
May 20, 2002, 6:42 PM
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Most experienced climbers will be very open to having you join them. It's great when new people get involved in such a great sport. Introduce yourself and don't BS about climbing stuff you haven't. Be honest about you skills. I like having new people ask me about technique and knots and ropework. It's a good refresher course for myself when I'm showing someone brand new how to set up a top rope anchor, going over gear placment, or how to pull the roof move they can't get. Beer is always good (You can send me a case of Lager anytime) Keep on rockin'!!
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kbphoenix
May 20, 2002, 6:44 PM
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Alright...next time I'm in PA, the beer's on me =)
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pushfurther
May 20, 2002, 6:50 PM
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dunger's right, most experienced climbers will be more than happy to help you learn. just be honest and friendly.
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stevematthys
May 21, 2002, 12:16 AM
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be open for whatever type of advice they have, and dont try to act like you know more then you really know.
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cragman
May 21, 2002, 2:24 AM
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I find when I'm among better climbers instead of talking about what I can and can not do, I listen to what they say, watch what they do and climb so they can see what I can do. Then I start the cycle again. -Climb hard, get vertically high
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miagi
May 21, 2002, 2:32 AM
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Say "Thank You" Beer is good too
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gravitylimit
May 22, 2002, 4:30 AM
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I can live without the thank you, without MGD...I don't know
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duskerhu
May 22, 2002, 6:36 AM
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Look for climbers who seem friendly and outgoing/easygoing. Chatting with or asking questions at the gear shop is always a good way to break the ice. You also want someone who'll be able to teach you the safety stuff too, so, at the crag, notice who is "practicing" safety. If someone is letting you/inviting you to tag along, ask them what, besides your shoes and harness, they would like you to bring. Always... Watch, Listen, and Learn! Watch them and ask if they would like you to do anything (a good way to get some gear placing lessons or learn about knots or anchor or rope techique.) Ask them to check your work/set-up, and listen to the opinions they have. Always say "THANKS" ... and OF COURSE beer is extremely helpful for after the climb... Make sure it's icey cold too! Live Free! Play Hard! Climb On! duskerhu
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kbphoenix
May 22, 2002, 4:24 PM
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Great idea, duskerhu, about asking what I can do, and having someone double check! Also, a friend of mine suggested that cleaning gear on a climb is a good way to get exposed to placing gear.
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rock_climbin_06
May 22, 2002, 10:18 PM
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Would you think it would be better to go out with a group of climbers or just go with yourself and one experienced climber?(and a beer!)
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danicodd
Jul 3, 2002, 11:17 AM
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speaking of experienced climbers..... anyone out there in the SanDiego area that might want to have me tag along sometime??? started indoors for about 6months last year, but then moved and fell out of the game. I really want back in but i just moved to SanDiego and dont know anyone that climbs. thanks!
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pelliott
Jul 3, 2002, 11:52 AM
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The best way to meet an experienced climber is to have something to talk about. Learn all you can from books and the gym and go out and have those experiences that you can talk about. Then just be friendly and be yourself. I found out that someone climbs at my work and sent him an e-mail. It turns out he has been climbing for 26 years. Whenever we meet we start talking crag to the point that people around us ask us to quiet down. Since climbing gets into your blood, the stories just start flowing and the old guys are always willing to tell a good story. I recently had an opportunity to climb with him but I had to work instead. What a bummer. [ This Message was edited by: pelliott on 2002-07-03 04:55 ]
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vertical_reality
Jul 3, 2002, 12:51 PM
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Here's an important question... how do you find out what sort of beer to bring along?
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phil_nev
Jul 3, 2002, 2:01 PM
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Theres ten simple things you can do.... 1. BUY THEM BEER 2. BUY THEM FOOD 3. BUY THEM DRUGS 4. BUY THEM BEER 5. BRING CHICKS/GUYS DEPENDING ON THEIR PREFERANCE 6. BUY THEM BEER 7. BUY THEM GEAR (FULL RACK OF CAMS) 8. BUY THEM BEER 9. BUY THEM BEER .. AND FINALY... THE MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL........... 10. GIVE A GOOD BELAY. IF SOMEONE CAN DO THIS FOR ME, I'M HAPPY TO CLIMB WITH THEM. THATS ALL THAT MATTERS. BE HONEST, LISTEN AND CONCENTRATE! OH, AND BUY ME BEER!!!!AND BUY ME BEER!!!!AND BUY ME BEER!!!!AND BUY ME BEER!!!!AND BUY ME BEER!!!!AND BUY ME BEER!!!!AND BUY ME BEER!!!!AND BUY ME BEER!!!!AND BUY ME BEER!!!!AND BUY ME BEER!!!!AND BUY ME BEER!!!!
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jman
Jul 3, 2002, 3:37 PM
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Wise words from duskerhu "Watch, Listen, and Learn" and ask questions. Most people love to hear themselves talk and to show how much they know. I like climbing with new people who are just willing to try hard and not give up too easily. There is a fine line between knowing your limits and pushing yourself to hard. A good attitude is always important cause you don't want to climb with negative people or people who would get you down. Giving a good belay is always important. Mike asks as good beer question...to bring beer like Milwaukee's Best or Guniness? If you want to climb on the East Coast can you bring some good Seattle microbrews.
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missedyno
Jul 5, 2002, 5:43 PM
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yeah, i entered a group of experienced climbers as a total newbie. in retrospect i was the victim of a lot of light-hearted heckling, but all in all they were very encouraging. some others accused me that i wouldn't have advanced so far in climbing so fast if i hadn't have had such good circumstances surrounding my entry to the sport. *note* my really fast advances in climbing quickly plateaued and i'm stuck at the same level.
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rocknpowda
Jul 5, 2002, 6:04 PM
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As the lush said earlier-buy them beer! Seriously, I think the best point made was to learn how to give a good belay. the worst part about going with less experienced climbers is not feeling totally comfortable leading something because you're worried about the belay your getting. Also, decide where you're going before hand so you don't end up tagging along as they go to work their projecct somewhere that you can't even touch. You'll learn alot more about moving on the rock if you climb stuff that is within your ability to at least pull most of the moves. Beer doesn't hurt either.
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orestes1724
Jul 6, 2002, 10:20 PM
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i think phil likes beer.
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snapier
Jul 10, 2002, 5:12 AM
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I saw in this thread the mention of Pennslvania and that can only mean one thing: the beer of all beers - Yeungling (I think I might of even spelled it right) sooo good. I went to school in New England and didn't realize that I wouldn't be able to get any up there. Glad to be back home now...has any one else ever heard of this fine brew? [Sorry was a little off topic...]
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wildtrail
Jul 10, 2002, 5:32 AM
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Phil has got it. Vertical Reality, What kind of beer. Good stuff. It is best to be stereotypical here (even though I hate stereotypes). If it is guys, bring the good stuff. If it is gals, well most of them tend to like lighter beers. Just in case, for the gals, bring some good stuff and some light stuff. ********************************************* What to look for in an experienced climber? Make sure he/she is a good teacher. The teacher always makes the difference. If you can't understand anything the person says, probably a bad teacher. This does not mean he/she is inexperienced, just not good at teaching. It is inevitable that you will not understand something. When you get to that bridge, cross it by asking "huh?" Ask again and again. A competent climber and mentor will deal with your questions maturely and openly. He or she will understand that you are new and that everything is relatively, or completely, alien to you. A good teacher understands that. Remember, you HAVE to know the answers to your questions. Climbing isn't math. If you fail this test, you can die. Just keep asking and pay attention to what they do and participate as much as you can. Absorb, absorb, absorb. You can also contact me any time with any question. Steve And don't forget the beer!
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micahmcguire
Jul 10, 2002, 5:43 AM
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Guiness for strength!
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climbinganne
Jul 10, 2002, 6:14 AM
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teach them knots!!!!! then BETA
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kbphoenix
Jul 10, 2002, 1:58 PM
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THIS girl likes the good beer!
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pbcowboy77
Jul 12, 2002, 11:50 PM
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I just spent four days in the Needles and hung out with some kick a** climbers. I watched this guy from England onsight a 5.13b. At the campsite I hung out with them and they were the coolest people. There was Yosemite locals and guys that were on road trips for months at a time. I told them it was my first time doing trad and I also had an ankle problem, my partner wanted to climb harder then I could and these guys offered to take me up some 5.6 to 5.7's, and they're 5.12 to 5.13 climbers. Needles to say they were some of the greatest people in the world. Around the campfire we talked about work and how to make a dirt bag margaritta. Nick the guy from England had never had a Krispy Kreme Doughnut or In and Out burger. We told him all about these wonderfull places and gave him his first Whatcamacallit bar, and first taste of beef jerky. So all in all just be yourself and most climbers are cool. Oh ya I offered beer but they said they had alot and gave me some . I hope I run into these guys and gals again. Climb safe and don't drive angry -Zac
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