Date
Sunday, 03 Dec 2017 7:45 AM
CLIMBING The Hand (Superstition Mtns.) Priority given to recent Basic and/or Anchors Graduates, with sufficient climbing experience.
DATE: Sunday, December 3, 2017 @ 8:00 a.m.
Leader: David Anderson. Seconds: Ryan Edwards, Andrea Galyean
Rating: 5.7-ish
# OF ATTENDEES: 7 (total), maximum
READ THIS ENTIRE WRITE-UP BEFORE YOU SIGN UP.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY.
TRIP DESCRIPTION: This is a classic 3 (or 2) pitch technical climb on the western face of the Superstition Mtns., leaving from a meet-up location (TBA), to drive to the trailhead (free parking), for an uphill on-trail approach of about 45 min.-1 hour.
There’s real exposure and the view on top is great.
It can be cold and windy. Dress in layers, top and bottom. We’ll take our packs to the base of the climb, drop our packs and gear-up a few feet from where we’ll rappel down off the peak.
There are no “tag-a-longs”. Everyone is a team member on this joint-venture, and is expected to contribute to the effort, work and safety.
Safety is our #1 goal. It is everyone’s job.
TO ATTEND THIS EVENT:
i. You must be a paid member to attend. Priority will be given to recent graduates of AMC’s Basic Rock Climbing, and/or Anchors classes, with sufficient climbing experience.
1. DO A REALISTIC SELF-ASSESSMENT ABOUT WHETHER YOU SHOULD COME ON THIS TRIP. It is not for new climbers. Have some “5.7-5.8” outdoor climbing experience (or higher ratings in the gym) and be competent at rappelling, locking off your rappel device, and ascending rope to self-rescue.
2. Have the required gear (see below) and help carry and manage group gear/rope. Bring a backpack big enough to carry a rope. You will be carrying a rope.
3. Put yourself on the “Wait-List”, and state, in the comment section of the write-up whether you are a recent graduate of either Basic or Anchors.
4. Send me your email, to my email (below) so I can send you a waiver to read and sign and bring to the meet-up. (Put it in your pack.)
5. I will screen the wait-list, based on the above, and sufficient climbing experience, ability to work well with others, and past history, and order of sign-up.
PLEASE DO NOT PUT YOURSELF ON THE WAITLIST UNLESS YOU ARE FIRMLY COMMITTED TO ATTENDING. SIGNING UP AND THEN BAILING, COULD AFFECT YOUR ABILITY TO GET ON FUTURE TRIPS.
REQUIRED GEAR (Minimum):
Harness, helmet, climbing shoes, approach/hiking shoes, belay/rappel device(s), at least 3 locking biners, and 3 non-locking biners (or just 6+ lockers), personal anchor, headlamp (test it), 20 feet of one-inch tubular earth-tone webbing (we all contribute webbing, if needed, to leave in place), 3 prussiks (short medium, long) or other ascension devices for self- rescue, a rap-ring (bail-out ring) A PACK THAT IS BIG ENOUGH TO CARRY ROPE, SO YOU APPROACH/EXIT HANDS-FREE, food & water for all day.
Think about whether you need:
autoblock, gloves for belay/ rappel, small (second) pack for carrying water, snack, clothing on the climb, Breathable Rain-Suit (it works as a wind-suit too), chalk bag, glasses strap, sun protection, hat/scarf, sunscreen, first-aid supplies, electrolytes, meds, small pocket knife, camera, big smile. J
It may very well be more windy and cold than you think (think about sweaty, cooling down, waiting in the shade). One layer on your legs can leave you miserable on the climb.
Prepare for the unexpected. Everything will not always go as you wish.
MEET-UP LOCATION: To be given to attendees.
Meet in time to be ready to drive away from the meet-spot to the trailhead by 8:00 a.m. To stay on schedule, we’ll leave without you if you are not there.
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PLEASE CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING STANDARD PROTOCOLS FOR EVERY CLIMB:
1. To belay someone is a serious task. Treat it like it is. Pay attention. The climber’s life is in your hands. A good brake hand is essential. Keep your brake hand down (in the “lock” position) as much as possible. Be relaxed and alert.
2. On lead-belay, pay attention to your lead-climber and the climbing rope. Generally the lead-climber should have to say very little to you. You should already know from observing.
3. Don’t distract someone when they are setting up for a climb/belay/rappel, or beginning their climb. Let them focus.
4. Several people giving unsolicited advice on climbing is generally not useful.
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You will be able to sign up for the wait-list beginning Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2017 @ 7:00 p.m. I will screen promptly so those going, and not going, can set their schedule.
E-mail David at BDAnderson53@gmail.com to discuss whether this event is for you, or any other issues. If I “Meet-Up message” you, it may go to your spam. I will need your email and phone # promptly, if you are put on the “Attending” list.
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AMC language: Climbing is a personal choice and requires personal responsibility. Climbing and associated activities are dangerous and can result in injury and/or death. Climbing exposes you to risks. Risks are not eliminated by training, or skill. By your participation in any AMC activity or event, you accept and assume any and all risks, including those created by negligence, connected to such activity or event.
