Rock Climbing Difficulty: Is It Hard to Learn?

QuestionI have never rock climed is it hard to do? AnswerThe answer is yes and no.  Yes it is hard if you step up and try to do it without any instru

The First Ascent of Bill's Bad Bolts: A Climber's Story

QuestionDear Robert: Tomorrow Ill be up on one of your routes on Machete, Bills Bad Bolts.  I would be grateful if you would take a few moments and

Rope Retirement: Determining When to Replace for Safety

Questionwhen do you retire a rope, what guidelines do you use AnswerI honestly think youll know when its time to retire a rope based on the look and feel.

Rock Climbing Classes in Pittsburgh: Beginner's Guide & Options

QuestionHi Rob, I red through one of you explanations about the various classes in Rock climbing and I am totally bowled out. Now i am very much intereste

Understanding Bouldering Difficulty Ratings: V Scale vs. Alternative Systems

Question YOU SAY BOULDERING IS RATED ON THE V SCALE. WHAT ABOUT JOHN GILL? HE HAD TO FORMULATE HIS OWN SCALE WHICH WAS B1.B2,B3 ECT. AnswerMy Understandin

Starting a Climbing Gym in Topeka, Kansas: A Passionate Advocate's Vision

QuestionI recently moved to Ks. in Dec. 2007 from Oregon and found a job supervising an indoor wall, I saw your messages about your climbing exp.s and I

Rock Climbing Harness Failure: A Serious Safety Concern

QuestionHi Nicholas, My husband was rock climbing indoors at a gym and the harness broke, he fell approx 30 feet causing serious injuries, he has had sever

Multi-Pitch Climbing at The Pinnacles: A Beginner's Guide

QuestionSo, ive been lead climbing single pitch sport climbs now for about 9 months Im pretty good at it.  Ive just started trad climbing about 3 mont

What Does 'BARK' Mean in Climbing? Explained

Questiona friend of mine asked me, just to test my knowledge cause he obviously knows, what BARK means in climbing? i have no clue thanks for the help An

Climbing Instructor Certifications: What You Need to Know

QuestionWhat type of qualifications are needed to become a climbing instructor? Im curious and thinking of opening a climbing gym in my area, but wanted to

Mount Everest: Why Bodies Are Left on the Mountain - A Detailed Explanation

QuestionOn Discovery Channel I saw a group of climbers walk by a dead body on Mt. Everest. The body was in full climbing gear and I was wondering if this h

Using Old Climbing Rope: Safety & Shelf Life - Expert Advice

QuestionI recently purchased some used gear - carabiners, harness, shoes, chalk bags, webbing and the guy also included a never used 150 ft. 11 mm dry mamm

Learn Safe Solo Climbing: A Guide for Beginners

QuestionJeff,  Ive been lead climbing off and on (mainly off) for several years. My problem is theres no climbing near by so I have to plan my trips

Climbing Safety: Understanding Guidelines & Ethics

Questionhi jeff hows it hanging? im in school and i wonderd if you could tell me and my pal greg what the rules are to climbing please write back speek to

Beginner's Guide to Climbing & Rappelling Gear: Safety & Essentials

QuestionHey Jeff, Aside from some indoor climbing and a few days of rappelling with the military I know little about climbing. I wanted to gear up for some

Beginner Indoor Climbing: Fitness & Weight Concerns

Questionive been invited to climb (indoors) by a very cute guy, but im mid-30s & pretty unfit in a cardio sense (e.g. can jog for about 3/4 mins maximum).

Proper Storage for Climbing Cams & Friends: Prevent Damage & Extend Lifespan

QuestionIs there a right way and or a wrong way to store your cams or friends after you have used them for the day? AnswerGenerally heir is not a right a

Rock Climbing Accidents: Rope and Belay Failure Incidents

QuestionHi.  I am doing a piece of work and I am required to find cases where the belay device or the rope has broken.  Would you be able to prov

Historical Accidents: Rope and Belay Failures in Climbing

QuestionHi.  I am doing a piece of work and I am required to find cases where the belay device or the rope has broken.  Would you be able to prov

Climbing Rope Lifespan: Usage & Retirement Guidelines

QuestionI know that everyone is saying that there is no definate formual for retiring ropes. I manage a camp that has about 10k people in the summer time w