Beginner's Guide to Climbingtag:beginnersguide.com,2007:/climbing//922006-07-20T20:35:25ZClimbingMovable Type 3.35Modular Toolstag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/climbing//92.238852006-04-13T18:34:25Z2006-04-13T18:34:45ZJohn
Don’t worry, I had to look up what modular meant too. Put simply, a modular tool is a tool that is designed to be adjustable. It allows the tool to have more than one use, which is handy when you are ripping up a frozen waterfall and you don’t want to lug around a few different types of shafts, axes and hammers. The reality of whether or not you use the mobility the modular tools offer is up to you. Many climbers buy modular tools because all the technical tools are modular; they don’t have a choice. It allows you flexibility in tool use, but the reality is that climbers don’t modulate their tools that often. I guess it is the thought that counts.
It is important to keep things simply when attempting technical ice climbs. Modular tools with fancy designs and gadgets are not always what they are cracked up to be. Be wise and don’t fall for the sexy modular tool with the hairbrush attached. ]]>
Drop the hammer or the ax?tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/climbing//92.238862006-04-13T18:34:54Z2006-04-13T18:35:11ZWith the proliferation of modular tools it is possible to have a tool that is both axe and hammer. You use a hammer in ice climbing to drive in pitons (A metal spike fitted at one end with an eye...John
With the proliferation of modular tools it is possible to have a tool that is both axe and hammer. You use a hammer in ice climbing to drive in pitons (A metal spike fitted at one end with an eye for securing a rope and driven into rock or ice as a support in mountain climbing – www.dictionary.com), hammer-ins and hooks. An ax-head is used to chop away surface ice to get to the solid ice.
The ax-head is called an adze. These come in different shapes and sizes and are generally used for clearing snow and chopping ice away. A flat adze is great for snow clearing and would be a good choice for the mountaineering crowd.
The hammerheads are just that heads used for hammering. They generally come in round, square or hex shapes. They all work about the same, although the hexagon can be used for rocky mixed routes. ]]>
Pickstag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/climbing//92.238872006-04-13T18:35:20Z2006-04-13T18:35:38ZA pick is a short-handled tool with a banana shaped heads. A mountaineering pick comes with the classic banana shaped head, and that is about all there is to choose from. Experts recommend getting a pick that has jagged teeth...John
A pick is a short-handled tool with a banana shaped heads. A mountaineering pick comes with the classic banana shaped head, and that is about all there is to choose from. Experts recommend getting a pick that has jagged teeth on the curved side to use as a saw. You have more to choose from with the technical tools. Depending on your climbing style you may want to go with the reverse banana droop pick. These picks are the most popular. The Alaskan pick is a cross between the reverse banana pick and the reverse-curve pick, which happens to be a good tool for dry tooling on rock. Experts say if you are unsure as to what kind of pick to buy then go with the reverse-curve pick.]]>
Grab A Leashtag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/climbing//92.238882006-04-13T18:35:55Z2006-04-13T18:36:13ZJohn
A leash is attached to the tools you buy for climbing. It is recommended that you spend the extra cash and buy a leash that clamps tight, doesn’t loosen on its own, and is able to be tightened with your teeth. Typically leashes that come with your tool are poorly made and may be a hindrance rather than a part of the tool that assists in the climb.]]>
Final Thoughtstag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/climbing//92.238892006-04-13T18:36:24Z2006-04-13T18:36:41ZThere is really no way of being sure you bought the right stuff without demo-ing the gear first. Most outfitters have what they call demo days. A demo day for ice climbing equipment may be hard to come by, but...John
There is really no way of being sure you bought the right stuff without demo-ing the gear first. Most outfitters have what they call demo days. A demo day for ice climbing equipment may be hard to come by, but could prove to be invaluable in the purchasing process. Check at your local outfitters to see when their next demo day is. Some stores also allow you to test the equipment by renting or just using the gear for day (private demo). Retail stores like REI And EMS have demo days, so give them a call and set up an appointment.
If you have a friend who can kind of show you the ropes that would be beneficial as well. This way you can bang on your friend’s equipment and really give it a hard test without feeling bad.
Ice climbing is a super technical sport whether you are simply mountaineering or scaling up an ice column. Never climb alone, especially when elements are part of the equation. Always have a buddy along and do yourself a favor and take that mountain navigation course that your local outfitter is giving. Getting caught in a whiteout could end more than your climb. Be sure to use your head when getting the gear you need; ask tons of questions and when in doubt, pay a little more for the best stuff. After all you life may hang in the balance. ]]>
What is Poison Ivy?tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/climbing//92.291552006-06-22T15:25:01Z2006-06-22T15:26:19ZJohn
Poison Ivy is a red, itchy rash caused by the plant that bears its name. You might have gotten it before like many others, by hiking or working in a garden. You “catch” Poison Ivy when any part of your skin comes in contact with the plant’s leaves, roots, or stems.
You may have a Poison Ivy rash is you notice red lines or blisters on your skin. It is often also very itchy. This rash is formed by a chemical that dwells in the sap of Poison Ivy plants known as urushiol. It is this chemical that triggers an allergic reaction in oak and sumac plants. Poison Ivy, also known as Toxicodendron radican, is in the same family as poison oak and poison sumac.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, about 85 percent of people are allergic to the urushiol in Poison Ivy. It is a rash that is so easy to catch because the tiniest particle of the substance can cause an allergic reaction. But if you haven’t caught the rash yet, be careful not to boast that your not allergic- many people develop a rash after their first exposure. And for some, it may take up to ten days for the rash to emerge for the first time.]]>
How can I identify Poison Ivy plants?tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/climbing//92.291562006-06-22T15:26:21Z2006-06-22T15:26:53ZSince the chemical that causes Poison Ivy, urushiol, is found in all parts of the plant, the only way to prevent a potential rash is to avoid the plant all together. This could prove difficult, however, because Poison Ivy grows...John
Since the chemical that causes Poison Ivy, urushiol, is found in all parts of the plant, the only way to prevent a potential rash is to avoid the plant all together. This could prove difficult, however, because Poison Ivy grows almost everywhere in the U.S.
You may have heard the rule “leaflets three, let it be,” which tells you to avoid any plant with three leaves. This is normally true-three leaves with the middle leaf being the longest- however this is not always the case. Poison Ivy can contain up to nine leaves.
Another way that you can identify a Poison Ivy plant is that they generally grow in a cluster of low, weed-like plants or a woody vine that can climb trees or fences. They are most often found in moist areas such as riverbanks or in the woods. The edges of the leaves are generally smooth or have tiny teeth like cuts around the edges.
Their leaf color also changes depending on the season. In the spring, they take on a reddish tint. In the summer, the leaves turn yellow and they take on an orange or red tint in the fall. Also, if there are berries they are typically white.
When looking out for Poison Ivy, don’t forget about its cousins poison oak and poison sumac. They have their own unique appearance. For example, poison oak grows as a shrub and is typically found in dry areas. The leaves of poison oak are usually found in groups of three and tend to be thick and green.
Poison sumac usually grows in moist, swampy areas and is a woody shrub made of stems with rows of seven to thirteen smooth-edged leaflets.]]>
What does Poison Ivy do to my Immune System?tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/climbing//92.291572006-06-22T15:26:56Z2006-06-22T15:27:24ZOur immune system protects our bodies from bacteria, viruses, and other foreign invaders that can make us sick. When the poisonous chemical urushiol touches the skin it triggers an immune response called dermatitis. The urushiol makes its way down through...John
Our immune system protects our bodies from bacteria, viruses, and other foreign invaders that can make us sick. When the poisonous chemical urushiol touches the skin it triggers an immune response called dermatitis.
The urushiol makes its way down through the skin, where it is broken down. Your body’s T-cells recognize the urushiol as a foreign substance and they send out inflammatory signals that bring in white blood cells. The white blood cells then eat the foreign substances, but in the process damage the normal tissue. This results in the rash that occurs when you have Poison Ivy.
Poison Ivy causes an allergic reaction known as delayed hypersensitivity. This is what causes some allergic reactions that don’t emerge for several hours or even days after exposure. This is why most people do not have a reaction after their first exposure to Poison Ivy. Everyone has a different reaction to Poison Ivy and sensitivity usually decreases with age and with repeat exposures to the plant.]]>
What are the symptoms of Poison Ivy?tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/climbing//92.291582006-06-22T15:27:25Z2006-06-22T15:27:57ZWhen your skin comes in contact with the urushiol fluid in Poison Ivy, you should expect a rash within one to two days. This rash will usually itch, redden, burn, swell, and form blisters. These rashes can last a long...John
When your skin comes in contact with the urushiol fluid in Poison Ivy, you should expect a rash within one to two days. This rash will usually itch, redden, burn, swell, and form blisters. These rashes can last a long time, but normally go away within a week. The more urushiol you’ve come in contact with, the more severe the rash may be. Unlike a common rumor, a Poison Ivy rash does not spread, it simply absorbs into the skin at different rates. Only the part of your skin that comes in contact with the ivy will get a rash.
If you experience any of the following, contact your physician immediately: pus around the rash, a rash around your mouth, eyes, or genital area, a fever above 100 degrees, or a rash that does not heal after a week.
If you experience swelling of the throat, tongue, or lips, difficulty breathing, weakness, dizziness, or bluish lips, you need to find immediate emergency medical assistance.]]>
How can I treat Poison Ivy?tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/climbing//92.291592006-06-22T15:28:00Z2006-06-22T15:28:27ZAs soon as you notice contact with Poison Ivy, it is important that you treat it immediately. The quicker you treat it, the greater the odds of removing at least some of the urushiol before it soaks into your skin....John
As soon as you notice contact with Poison Ivy, it is important that you treat it immediately. The quicker you treat it, the greater the odds of removing at least some of the urushiol before it soaks into your skin. The following are steps to take as soon as you notice that you have come in contact with Poison Ivy: First, rinse off your skin immediately with water. Then, remove all clothes that have come in contact with the plant and wash them with soap and water. Finally, use a cotton ball to cleanse the affected areas of your skin with rubbing alcohol.
However, if a rash appears it will most likely be very itchy. However, try not to scratch. Although breaking the blisters won’t spread the rash, the bacteria under your skin can cause an infection that causes scars.
If you experience a lot of discomfort from the rash, try using a wet compress or soak the affected areas in water. There are also several over the counter medications that you can purchase to relieve the itching. You can also try products that soothe itching such as calamine lotion, baking soda paste (3 teaspoons baking soda and one teaspoon water), or an oatmeal bath.]]>
How can I avoid Poison Ivy?tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/climbing//92.291602006-06-22T15:28:32Z2006-06-22T15:29:05ZPoison Ivy can be difficult to avoid. You can even get it from touching something that has touched the Ivy, such as a garden tool or even a pet. Your best defense is to stay away from it and get...John
Poison Ivy can be difficult to avoid. You can even get it from touching something that has touched the Ivy, such as a garden tool or even a pet. Your best defense is to stay away from it and get rid of it in your yard.
This can prove difficult, however. A weed killer would kill the Poison Ivy but also the plants that are around it. The other option is to remove the Poison Ivy by hand, but be sure to cover up all parts of exposed skin. As soon as you’re finished, be sure to clean your clothes with water and soap.
Be careful to pull the plants up from the roots, or they will grow back before you know it. Do not ever burn the plant, because the urushiol vaporizes when it is heated. The smoke caused can greatly affect your lungs.]]>
Harnessestag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/climbing//92.306582006-07-20T20:23:20Z2006-07-20T20:25:45Z Harnesses Overview Climbing Harnesses Features Optional Feature For Climbing Harnesses Types of Climbing Harnesses...phillip
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Rock Wallstag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/climbing//92.306592006-07-20T20:29:26Z2006-07-20T20:29:56Z Rock Walls Overview Construction of Rock Walls Safety of Rock Walls Rock Wall Panels...phillip
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Ropestag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/climbing//92.306602006-07-20T20:31:57Z2006-07-20T20:32:27Z Ropes Overview How do free climbers use ropes? What kind of rope do rock climbers use? How do I choose which climbing rope to buy?...phillip
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Rock Climbing Safetytag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/climbing//92.306612006-07-20T20:34:51Z2006-07-20T20:35:25Z What equipment do I need in order to Rock Climb Safely? What can I do to prepare my body for safe Rock Climbing? How long can I safely use a climbing rope? Should I wear a helmet while Rock...phillip
