Shreddin' Some Gnar - Newb Edition

"Shreddin some Gnar," "Crank Attack," "Stoke-ometer."  These are terms frequently heard when surrounded by some of my Vandy climbing friends.  We're goofs.  

Anyway, I got the privilege of introducing one of my best friends to outdoor climbing Saturday.  God bestowed upon us a beautiful mid-February day in the 60s, so we took full advantage.  I took her out to King's Bluff in Clarksville.  If you read this frequently, you know that the Bluff is one of my favorite places to climb because it is so easy, convenient, and beautiful.  The short cliff (40'-70') is stretched out on the banks of the Cumberland.  The sun shimmers down on the water and the cliff and makes it great.  The locals are always friendly and there are a lot of beginner to intermediate routes.  

After going over some basic safety and procedural stuff, I started my friend on a 5.5 called "A Dip in the River."  All KB routes have convenient metal labels.  I led it first and she belayed great - using a GriGri too.  She did really well - didn't freak out, only weighted the rope once, and made it all the way.  

We then setup and climber too 5.4s - "Learnin to Crawl" and "Demolition Zone."  Again, she climbed really well, needed very little advice, and didn't weight the rope at all for these.  She also did a great job lead belaying and lowering me - I felt safe and trusted her.  

After climbing the three routes, we got some picnic food and hit the rocky shore for lunch.  It was nice just watching the river currents and soaking up the sun with a friend.  Hopefully we can come back in the spring when it is warmer.  

New Gear

This was also the inaugural use of my new Petzl Zephyr 10.3, Spirit draws, and Reverso3.  The rope is stellar.  It handled better than many broken-in ropes I've used - straight out of the factory coil too.  The spirits are smooth as anything of course and the reverso felt good on the one route for which I used it to belay.

Bottom line:  Good purchase.  Having my own gear really opens up my opportunities to climb.

Trips

The outdoor rec has several great climbing trips going out this semester to King's Bluff, Obed, and Rocktown.  I am leading KB and Rocktown and plan on going to Obed.  All VU student, staff, and faculty are welcome.

Also, THREE weeks until I go to the Grand Canyon!  The stoke-ometer is rising.