Big Wall Climbing
How to climb the biggest, baddest rocks in the world. If you have a desire to climb routes on gigantic cliffs like El Capitan in Yosemite or large walls in other areas like Zion, this course is for you.
Technical Elements
-Leading (aid)
- 2, 3, 4 etrier systems
- fifi hooks/daisy chains
- hooking/clean aid
- pitoncraft
- safety
- cleaning pendulums
- following overhangs/traverses
- energy conservation
- hauling systems
- ratchet/pulley assistance
- common pitfalls
- "the last haul" (usually the hardest)
- Clean vs. "Dirty"
- Making sense of gear lists
- Racking
- Essentials to have on lead
-Belay Stations
- Setups
- Planning
- Managing multiple ropes/gear
- Breaking down stations
-Haul Bags
- Size application
- Organization
- Lowering
- Packing
-Descending
- Rappelling with bags
- Scrambling with bags
- Safeties
Plus many other topics including:
- Portaledges
- Nutrition/hydration/waste issues
- Driving back home...the real crux?
Aaron Silverman cleaning a traverse on pitch 30 of the Muir Wall, El Capitan, Yosemite. Photo: J. Arnold/RTG
In this course, you will learn all kinds of knowledge on how to ascend (and descend) the largest rocks around the world.
