Ice climbing partner

[-ben-]

I am looking for an experienced ice climber to mentor me this winter.I have done a little,but i really want to do more and gain experience.The problem is no one i know does this sort of thing,so I am having trouble getting started.Is anyone willing to do this for me?

 

[Woody]

Ben,

Go to NEClimbs.com and on their forums there is a climbing partners page.

 

[giggy]

neice.com as well. I do ice as well, but not that comfy leading yet - need this season to get better at that skill. I wouldn't feel confident enough just yet to lead anyone.

This isn't really an ice board so will keep this brief

Not sure where your located - but the RI rock gym does trips in auburn ice canyon for 40 bucks. They willl set up the ropes, etc.. - and you just practice climbing - the ice is near vertical but only about 30-40 feet high - so its good practice.

They do stuff in NH as well - but that is more pricey - but much less than ems/ime, etc.. - if you already have the basic skills.

 

[AOC-1]

I am an experienced leader on ice (NEI 4), and often seek partners for Catskills climbs as I live nearby. I am willing to climb with relative beginners on single pitch climbs, if they have solid belaying skills from rock climbing (plus the necessary personal equipment for ice). As this is a hiking site, please PM me if interested.

 

[Lawn Sale]

I also ice climb, but am not up to leading yet, sorry.

 

[sierra]

winter

Post again this ice season and I would gladly take you up something, maybe Willeys slide,cinema gully or something like that.

 

[-ben-]

Thanks Sierra,I will do just that.i have done the Willeys slide before,but look foward to do other climbs.Keep me in mind this winter

 

[sierra]

right on Ben, I got to thinking for your level I will choose Hitchcock gulley on Willard. This is classic incut gully that features a mixed rock and ice pitch, leading to a bluewater ice flow to the finish, comes in at grade 3 or so, see you this winter.

 

[-ben-]

sounds good,but mixed routes?keep in mind I have no rock climbing experience,but I'm up for a challange.I'll post again as the season gets closer.Thanks Sierra

 

[sierra]

climbing is a natural thing even to novices, Ill be hanging off the ledge with a tight belay shouting both encouragement and instruction if needed. My philosaphy is this, go for it, you can only get better if you stick your neck out, safely mind you.

 

[-ben-]

well said,thats my outlook too.So how long have you been leading?and do you have ropes?

 

[sierra]

leading

Ben,
Ive been leading a long time, 18yrs or so. I lead my first ice climb, I didnt know anyone that climbed so I taught myself. One day in Crawfords, I was loitering around Willeys slide practicing and someone came up and asked me if I led, I lied and said yes, then lead the entire slide, at the top I informed my new partner that it had been my first lead ever, he laughed.
Same thing with rock climbing, I bought all the gear, then just took my book or two and went to cliffs practicing putting in gear and anchors while looking at the pictures. My first leads where dicey at best but I was always carefull. Took my first leader falls on a climb called "Black Lung" on Catherdral, a wonderfull 5.7 (maybe 5.8) took 3 ten footers in a row before pulling the crux fianally.
Currantly IM back into hiking, focusing on big peaks,( 14,000 ft or higher) but when in NH dont mind rockclimbing because Ive hiked everything. I figure I can lead 5.10 rock and grade 4 ice, also dont mind aiding A2+.
Yes I have ropes and all the gear needed to go out and do whatever strikes our fancy, keep in mind though Ill have to make sure you can belay properly, after all regardless of your experience your the one thats going to keep me from hitting the ground.

 

[-ben-]

Lol,nice story.I am also planning to do some higher altitude mountains,Rainier,maybe Adams in Washington.I was supposed to go this August,but couldt raise the money,I guess my bills didnt agree. Well anyways I understand about wanting to make sure about my belay.I would do the same.Should I buy some caribiners?Ice screws?etc...