Sunday, September 20, 2009

More Durango bouldering

Tyler and I went out today while the girls stayed home. We found a new problem to work on that presented an acceptable challenge!

Action shot as Tyler reaches for an opposing force hand hold.


The initial aspect requires the use of a reverse ledge to create an opposing force while positioning your left foot on a decent hold. This then leads into two more holds for the hands which are again opposing forces to keep your Center of Gravity (CG) close to the boulder face.

Blah, blah blah, I could continue on about bouldering buzz words; however, it was a good project. I would rate the crux (the most difficult move of a route on a boulder) of this route a 5.9.


Short video.



Tyler will get this next time we go out. It is one of those things you try, try, and try again, then the next time you attempt it, it will be easy!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Rebecca the Boulder

Rebecca wanted to enjoy on the fun; purchased some shoes and a chalk bag!

She has nice balance and finesse to her movement!




Now, I had to purchase a crash pad!

Monday, September 7, 2009

Sailing Hawks - Bouldering

I have been itching to get the opportunity to boulder again. After the 24 Hours of Moab, I am going to occupy the rest of the fall with climbing. Hopefully, we can even schedule a trip to Moab.

Bouldering is the act of climbing large rocks(boulders) without ropes or harnesses. There are rating systems used to rate the various routes of a climb. We are focused on the V0.

We went this weekend and purchased climbing shoes and chalk bags! We visited two climbing areas near Durango: Turtle Lake and Sailing Hawks. I was very impressed with the kid's initial ability to climb and focus while under some fearful situations. The kids were exposed to the "Oh Shit" feeling. This is the feeling when you get high enough you cannot come down, but instead have to continue climbing up and conquer the boulder. This typically requires extreme focus. Forgetting the fear of falling and instead focusing all brain energy on the basics of the climb.


Some videos I created.



Another video:



Below Tyler climbs on a warm-up boulder. It is a fairly simple traverse.
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Brianna doing the same. Take note of my height. I am standing 6ft tall. The boulder was approximately 20 ft.(click for larger image)

Brianna keeping her hips near the boulder and her legs and arm as straight as possible.
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Tyler poses while resting his forearms.
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Brianna preparing to conquer a climb.
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