Wasatch Mountain Times | 1995-09-01 | Page 6

SEPTEMBER 1995 | THE RIGHT GEAR | Rock Climbing Need Not Be Hazardous To Your Health with Brian Mechan, to great climbing, Mecham, a climbing Black Diamond Equipment Co. climber Black if you think you might says from beginning climbers include a_harness, a locking carabiner and a fig- com- ure-8, Brian expert sporting goods pany. “The Wasatch is a great place for climbing. You can be climbing 30 f you don’t like heights, don’t read B this. But Diamond minutes from downtown Salt Lake City. Its easier access than skiing,” be interested in one of the fastest grow- he says. ing sports around, here are some tips on how to get started rock climbing. The Mecham Mecham known important is to get recommend instruction thing, instruc- risk associ- most sports from a as explained in an a ATC, Wasatch Mountain Times interview. All of these items are available at the Black Diamond Harnesses most advises, tion. “There is a lot more ated wit 1 climbing than { also carabiners little as $15. $14. you retail store. start at $35. can And be purchased ATCs Locking for as are as low as With these three items can begin instruction in hand, Nylon climbing ropes, which ususally come in standard lengths of 50 meters, or 165 feet, cost between $100 and $200. But climbing ropes can vary in length and diameter. And some are more stiff than others. “Different ropes have different handling Mecham characterists,” explained. “Some people like a stiffer rope .. . Others like a softer rope.” Once proficient, climbers usually start with climbs called “top-roping,” cer- tified guiding service.’ bo this sport from a friend is probably not a good idea, he warns. “I don’t recommend friends They may know just enough you into a lot of trouble.” With climbing proper need not to instruction, be get rock hazardous to your health. “It doesn’t need to be an extreme sport,” Mecham explained. ‘It can be a safe sport, if done properly.” : Those living in and around the Wasatch Mountains have easy access Surprisingly, you can get started jn climbing for about $65 in equipment costs. The three necesities for After initial instruction, if you decide to continue climbing, you may want to purchase chalk and a chalk bag, as well as climbing shoes. Mecham explains that chalk makes rock climbing easier. “When you're climbing, your hands tend to sweat. The chalk dries out your hands, so you can hold onto the rock better.” Un hiking shoes that can be quite heavy, climbing shoes are lighweight and small and not dissimilar to ballet slippers. They fit extremely snug, Mecham noted, “so when you are standing on small holds, you don’t have any shifting of the shoe.” “Bingham Gyclery~4 END OF SUMMER SALE SANDALS 40% OFF AUGUST 26 - SEPT. 9 CYCLING SHORTS 20% OFF SUMMER JERSEYS 30% OFF Mecham said. This is usually done in a well-known location where the rope can be anchored above the climber. For top-roping, each climber needs one rope and at least 4 slings and 6 carabiners. Slings cost anywhere from $2.50 to $8 each. Carabiners are about $5 each. or a total of about $325, you can do a lot of climbing in the Wasatch. More advanced climbs, investment. But the mountains are free. @ Avalanche Forecast Center Fundraiser Black Co. Diamond is sponsoring party Equipment another great to benefit the Avalanche Forecast Center Utah on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. at 2084 E. 3900 South. The event is a Tibetan dinner with live music. Beer will be provided by the Uinta Brewing Co. There also will be a silent auction, featuring backcountry Salt Lake City 1370 South 2100 East [phone] é 2317 North Ogden 3259 Washington Bivd., [phone] ES : Sunset . Main [phone] La 110 North Main [phone] SPEUIALIZED. Store Hours (all locations): Monday-Friday ski gear Climbing shoes run from $95 to $150. Once you've learned how to climb, the sport begins to get more expensive. Every proficient climber must invest in ropes, slings and carabiners. Midvale 10-7 * Saturday 10-6 707 E. Ft. Union Blvd. (7200 S.) [phone] Sandy 10510 South 1300 East [phone] PAGE 6 of course, require more gear and more and door prizes. Every cent of your $25 donation goes to the Utah Avalanche Forecast Center. Please R.S3V-P, Colleen Graham at Black Diamond: 2785552 ext. 170. @