Aid plz

[james_e]

I've never aided before, but I'm a good follower and eager to learn. I really want to get out to Index before the weather does. I have transportation and a solid free rack, and I'd really appreciate someone dragging me along if they don't mind having me. PM me or email watchyourfeet@gmail.com, please.

[fenderfour]

I know, you are looking for a partner, not a book recommendation but...

 

Buy a set of aiders and daisy chains. Some ascenders are nice, but not required. Get an old ball-peen hammer and drill a hole in the handle. Tie a cord to it.

 

Why do I need a hammer? You need it to clean the nuts you will get stuck while aiding.

 

Also pick up some reading material. I recommend starting with Freedom of The Hills, Big Walls (by Long and Middendorf) and Big Wall Climbing: Elite Technique (By Ogden).

 

Read and learn. When you think you are ready, recruit a patient belayer and climb City Park. If you back clean every other piece, you can climb it with two sets of nuts and a set of cams. The first 20 feet of the route is a bolt ladder, which makes it a very safe first lead (IMHO).

 

When I started aiding, I found it difficult to find a mentor. Quite frankly, teaching someone how to aid climb sucks. It amounts to spending 3+ hours per pitch holding on to a cold wet rope while the student is scared sh*itless on an easy pitch of aid.

 

Instead of a mentor, you might want to find someone else who wants to learn and is willing to brave a cold new world with you. Everything will be more fun.

[Cobra_Commander]

Also pick up some reading material.

 

This is for the belaying part.