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Post by ericlinxweiler on Feb 13, 2013 13:21:07 GMT -8
Not necessarily the whole topic of climbing with kids, but thoughts about ages when they can start climbing safely, equipment, etc.
Also, when they are old enough to belay, and other special considerations as they become adult climbers.
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Post by nicklyle on Feb 20, 2013 17:29:23 GMT -8
How old should a belayer be? Nick
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Post by jimnelson on Feb 22, 2013 10:09:48 GMT -8
Not sure there should be an age? Too many variables maybe? Belaying a leader being different from a top-rope belay for one.
Weight differences between belayer and climber are certainly one factor. One method I have always liked for a top-rope belay, is to belay direct from an anchor rather than the belayer's harness (if there is a good option for this set-up available). This can work well because a top-rope set-up does not require a dynamic belay.
It would be great to see us differentiate between belaying a leader, and top-rope. This would be for all ages including adults.
Also would like to see "lowering" included as part of learning top-rope belay.
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Post by nicklyle on Feb 22, 2013 15:05:12 GMT -8
Agree. Lowering can be a useful alternative to rappelling in some multi pitch descents too (when communication between the lowerer and the lowered is not a problem). Canyoneers use this as a way to establish the exact right length of rope for a rap into a pool for instance. It also is one way to get the rope down tricky less-than-vertical pitches in strong winds. Can be useful for getting someone inexperienced or freaked out down a pitch as well.
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Post by jimnelson on Feb 28, 2013 15:58:55 GMT -8
Good points Nick. It looks like we are talking about two types of lowering maybe. 1) Top-rope lower. 2) Lowering from above, probably using the anchor in some way.
However now we have strayed beyond climbing with kids. Maybe figure out how to move some of this to another category. Belaying I guess?
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Post by gregggagliardi on Feb 28, 2013 18:54:22 GMT -8
Jim: This could be a book. ;>)
Gregg
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Post by nicklyle on Mar 7, 2013 1:49:56 GMT -8
We are off topic for climbing FOR kids, but on topic for climbing WITH kids.
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