Good start

The weather has begun to change...finally. After a long winter of wicked climbing i'm totally stoked on the sun coming out...and it being above zero degrees. I went out to my local cragg yesterday and had a stellar day. With gym climbing all winter, you never really know where you're going to end up at the start of the "outdoor" rock climbing season. But yesterday totally showed me that all the gym climbing was a step in the right direction. Everything felt good. I sent my project in three trys, did tones of laps on harder routes and left with a sense of confidence and excitement at the fact that i'm feeling strong and it's only the beginning. My determination and focus has grown dramatically. I'm stoked to see all the new climbers that are appearing out of no-where that are stoked. Although a cluttered cragg can sometimes be a bit...um...well a bit much...but needless to say, i'm still super pumped on climbing and it's continual growth in my community.

Over the past year i've learned a lot about progression, safetey, and straight up respect and responsibility in the climbing world. And with learning these finer aspects...I'm now seeing more and more climbers practicing unsafe techniques as well as rushing into various levels of climbing too fast. If you have found the love of climbing that many of us experience...before you get all psyched to go and lead your first outdoor route...start with the basics first. Get some experience, hang out with friends who are stronger climbers and learn from them. Read lots, but don't over analize every word you read. Heck, i started lead climbing in my bedroom, on the floor. That's right, i hooked my draws up to everything in sight...just practicing, placing, unclipping 'till my fingers hurt. Get the miles in...reach the point where you feel comfortable in clipping in any condition or position. Top rope lots doing moch leads. And once your finally ready to lead...lead something you can walk up. Also, belaying...for those beginners...practice practice practice. And don't hold your hand up in the air with the "brake" side of the rope when your climber is climbing. Common mistake i've run into a few times as of lately.

In climbing, practice the basics lots. If you're confused...ask someone with experience. There are many resources out there that would be willing to lend a hand. Don't rush things...that's how people die. Climbing takes a lot of respect. Eearn it, but don't try to own it.