As a first time buyer of any passive protection, should I buy everything in one go even if I don't know how to use it yet?
Buy a set of climbing gear, such as nuts, hexes, and cams, and practice placing them at ground level to gain experience in a safe way. Transcript: "What should I buy when I'm buying gear? Great question. Hopefully you've used something with someone else at some point in time, meaning you've tried to use placing nuts or hexes or something or tri-cams or things like that. But if you don't know, go ahead and get some information from the salesperson at the store and if the price is right, meaning it's a good deal, I would go ahead and buy it all. I wouldn't buy one nut at a time. I would buy a set of nuts. I wouldn't buy one hex at a time. I would buy a set of hexes. I wouldn't buy one tri-cam at a time. I would buy a set of tri-cams. And then go practice at a local area where you can stand on the ground and place the gear in cracks at the ground level and wait them there. That way you have no risk of getting hurt if they fall out. So that is a great way to practice in a safe way on the ground."
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As a first time buyer of any passive protection, should I buy everything in one go even if I don't know how to use it yet?
Buy a set of climbing gear, such as nuts, hexes, and cams, and practice placing them at ground level to gain experience in a safe way.
What has your experience been like Big Wall Climbing? How safe is it to sleep on a portaledge?
Overall, my experience with big wall climbing has been physically and mentally demanding but rewarding. Sleeping on a portaledge is safe as you are attached to the rock at all times, so even if you were to roll off you would remain in tension with your tether.
In your climbing practice, how do you try to accept responsibilty for the impact of other climbers on routes? For example, do you pick up left behind trash?
I take responsibility for the impact of other climbers on routes by picking up trash, keeping trails clean and making sure not to cross-cut, building barriers and bridges when necessary, and doing trail work to maintain a successful route.
What is the worst injury you have ever had from climbing?
The worst injury I've ever had from climbing was breaking some vertebrae off my spine, a broken hand and three transverse processes. However, the most common injury among climbers is hurt pride due to comparing themselves to others.
At what age can a child begin rock climbing?
Kids can begin climbing when you want them to, though some gyms don't allow it. You can provide them with outdoor climbing experiences in schoolyards and parks, but ultimately it's up to you when to introduce them to the activity.
Can you explain why it would be important to camp away from a stream or a lake when on a climbing trip?
You should stay away from the stream while on a climbing trip in order to minimize disruption of wildlife and prevent the introduction of non-native things (such as urine and feces) into the waterway. You should camp at least a few hundred feet away and then walk to the stream to get the water you need.