We had a great turnout yesterday with Brandon, Sherry, Corey, Erik, and me (Dana). Corey and Brandon got to try their hand (literally) at mock leading with me as the safety top rope belay. Brandon climbed a sick 5.11 on the mock lead and I can verify that he did NOT get any help from me with the top rope. Corey stepped up to be the first to practice a fall, and I've got to say, even with two of us on ropes, it was pretty frightening. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on who you ask) Corey didn't end up falling very far and Brandon didn't go flying up in the air. I'm still waiting to see that one next time. Meanwhile, Erik worked on building up his stamina with some 5.9s. With his impressive height, I wouldn't be surprised to see him go for some 5.10s soon. Sherry spent her Sunday working on her technical skills, traversing and practicing using different hand holds. And I knocked out a couple 5.7 and 5.8s in the gym (some of the 5.7s, especially the overhung ones, are deceptively hard). I tried out a 5.9, but I just don't have the foot placement or ability to make dynamic movements enough yet. I'm personally psyched to be receiving my own pair of shoes in the mail tomorrow (a pair of ClimbX men's for $50). I think Brandon is slowly but surely breaking in his new shoes.
Can't wait for the next time I'm 50ft up!
~Dana
