Posts Tagged ‘Boulder’

Rock Climbing – Prussik and Rappel Class

Sunday, May 10th, 2015

My Awesome BRS Group
From L-R: Elizabeth, Peter, Clare & Jill (Instructors), Becky, and Seth

After their exciting multi-pitch day, climbing the First Flatironette, it was time to learn how to use prussiks to ascend/descend a rope, how to rappel, and how to pass a knot. These basic self rescue skills are essential for rock climbers to know and could mean the difference between life and death.

Unfortunately, for the students, they got some adversity training on top of their normal curriculum! With a few inches of fresh spring powder, we were guaranteed a chilly start to our day!

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Rock Climbing – First Flatironette

Sunday, May 3rd, 2015

Basic Rock School Multi-pitch Group Shot
From L-R: Andy (Assistant Instructor), Seth, Climbergirl (Senior Instructor), Peter, Becky, and Elizabeth

On Sunday, Andy and I took our Basic Rock Climbing Students up their first multi-pitch climb, the east face of the First Flatironette. It is a very mellow climb consisting of two pitches, with a huge tree-ledge in the middle. Students had passed their knot tying and belay exams earlier that morning, so this was trial by climbing!

We started climbing around noon and finished 2 hours later. Everybody got a chance to belay and coil the ropes at the end. It sprinkled on us a little bit as we were topping out, so it was a good lesson in getting an early start. After climbing, we went to a brewpub and celebrated our success!

Rock Climbing – Seal Rock East Face (5.4), Boulder, CO

Saturday, April 25th, 2015

Flatirons in Spring

Great Day on Seal Rock!
Seal Rock is Fun!

Relieved to Be Touching Down
The Sea of Joy Rappel is a thrill!

On a fine spring day, Jane and I decide to have an adventure and climb Seal Rock. The East Face is a classic climb and goes at 5.4. It has a 45 minute approach hike, which is sure to warm up the circulation as there is ~800 ft of gain from the parking lot. The climb is typical flatiron sandstone with some sections of run out. Bring lots of slings (I had 17 shoulder sized slings and 2 double lengths) to reduce rope drag. Also, I suggest doubles of #1 and #2 sized BD cams, for anchors. I brought a #3 and a #4, but I’d say the #4 is optional.

Times:
Start Hiking: 6:50am
Start Climbing: 7:50am
Finish Climbing: 12:20pm
Done with Rappel: 1:20pm
Finish Hiking: 2:50pm

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4K on the 4th – Avery Brewery Race

Friday, July 4th, 2014

About to Run the Avery Brewing 4K on the 4th

On Friday, I ran the 4K on the 4th with Dennis (Elvis), Jeff & Julie, Ed, and a bunch of other runners. It was a hot morning, reaching the mid 80s by the 9am start time.

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Rock Climbing – Spring Storm Over Seal Rock

Sunday, April 6th, 2014

Jen and Clare at Base of Seal Rock
Jen and I are still hopeful to climb. This was when the sky was still clear!

The base of Seal Rock was still covered in snow. The route looked wet in spots, but still possible to climb had the weather remained clear. Unfortunately, upon our arrival to the base of Seal Rock, there were suddenly several little white puffy clouds. Hmmmm, what do we do now?

When climbing on the eastern side of the flatirons, one can’t see the west side. Thus, since many storms come from the west, it can be dangerous to attempt a climb if there is ANY doubt of weather. The Accidents in North American Rock Climbing book is full of people who have been caught in a storm on a flatiron. Wet flatirons are slick and prone to breakage. So, just say no!

While we discussed the risks, we watched in dismay as the small clouds quadrupled in size and started banding together. We decided to forego the climb. We had a nice hike back to the car and we got graupeled on for the last 30 minutes. Whew, disaster avoided. Justified by our smart decision; we climbed at the new climbing gym in Golden where we could be certain of our safety.

Seal Rock Spring Storm
Looking back at Seal Rock and the Spring Storm