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Topic Date User

looking for instruction 23-Nov-2008 At 11:55:08 PM noclimberboys

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On 19/11/2008 Cookie wrote:
>i had a 2 second instruction at chockstone [cliffhanger], then it was up to me. we had
>both never used them before so i couldnt lean on my partner to show me
>a better way. perhaps if i didnt have to pull my arm behind my back and
>feed the rope (as was instructed) and i could cup the rope and keep pressure
>on it that way when the climber is being let down, it would be ok... up
>is easy, no problems there, its just losing control when he is being let
>down which is the hard bit.

Um, Cookie I like your honest posts and all but I think your comment about getting a 2 second instruction at Cliffhanger etc... is a bit harsh and your instruction/ induction would certainly not have occurred like that. I know that the staff at Cliffhanger take the utmost care in providing instruction and aren't flippant about helping people out and making sure they understand everything and feel comfortable with the device and the knots. They took me through my induction and I'm pretty slow, but they persisted! They know their stuff and are aware of the best methods for using a GriGri.

When using a GriGri, keeping your brake hand behind your arse when lowering someone helps to reduce the climber's descent speed by introducing friction (running the rope around the hip or waist). I hope that helps clarify why you have your hand behind your arse when lowering...

As for feeding out rope? Are you top rope belaying or lead belaying with a grigri?

Anyway, your climbing progress sounds exceptional! It sounds like you're really getting ahead with the climbing game and learning heaps.. Hope you have fun out there.