skitty Posted August 6, 2001 Posted August 6, 2001 Hi, I've been doing alot of bouldering (indoor) lately and as I've gotten better, obviously I can get higher. Today, I almost finished a problem I've been working on for several days when one move from the top I froze : "Wow it's about 10 feet to the ground, if I fall..." I panicked and downclimbed. I drug over the maxi-pad and still wasn't okay with the whole thing. Here's my question: How do you fall on to a pad or worse case, the ground? Quote
Lambone Posted August 6, 2001 Posted August 6, 2001 The Rocks are softer than the pad(In the Gym). We have had folks twist their ankles pretty bad from landing wrong on the pad. It works best for horisontal bouldering. The key is to be loose and absorb it. Bend your knee's and let your body crash, or bounce! There are no stupid questions! Quote
pope Posted August 6, 2001 Posted August 6, 2001 I must agree with Imer Bone, when he says that pea gravel is softer than a big old pad. I once popped off the tower at the U.W. wall while reaching for the notch. Although I'd never want to experience that again, I walked away with only a bruised ego and a load in my shorts. Pea gravel has amazing abilities to absorb energy. Quote
EddieE Posted August 6, 2001 Posted August 6, 2001 Ditto with the pea gravel vs. pad. Also, try not to stick your arm out unless you want a mangled wrist / elbow / shoulder. If you peel off backwards, try to turn so you land on your side (if you can't land feet first) and watch your head. It works for me. I fall a lot. Quote
upzmtn@mindspring.com Posted September 15, 2001 Posted September 15, 2001 The most critical part in a safe crash is a good spotter-someone you can trust. Unfortuantely, that trust only comes from a few catches. The confidence to be gained from a good spotter will send you popping for those blind jugs with a smile. Quote
MysticNacho Posted October 3, 2001 Posted October 3, 2001 Hey that's not a stupid question, that's a good one. There is a whole art to falling, trust me, I've taken more than one 20 footer. (all while bouldering on pea gravel, which IS the shiznit) Just remember to be completely relaxed when you hit, people don't get injured by the impact of the body vs. the ground, but they tense up and freeze all their muscles. It's the same principle as why drunk drivers never get hurt as bad as the people that they hit, they are relaxed from the alcohol and don't tense up. Also, remember to roll as much as possible to distribute the force of the fall. I find the heel to ass to back/hip works wonders. Have a great time falling! Quote
jblakley Posted October 3, 2001 Posted October 3, 2001 What makes gravel that's been peed on safer to fall on than regular gravel? Quote
Retrosaurus Posted October 3, 2001 Posted October 3, 2001 quote: Originally posted by jblakley: What makes gravel that's been peed on safer to fall on than regular gravel? The mountain goat... provided you miss the horns. Â Quote
Downhill Posted October 4, 2001 Posted October 4, 2001 quote: Originally posted by MysticNacho: Just remember to be completely relaxed when you hit, people don't get injured by the impact of the body vs. the ground, but they tense up and freeze all their muscles. It's the same principle as why drunk drivers never get hurt as bad as the people that they hit, they are relaxed from the alcohol and don't tense up. ..... I find the heel to ass to back/hip works wonders. ANOTHER good reason to drink and climb!!! (never forget the 11th essential) As for the heel to the ass, I get enough of that at work but thanks for the tip. Â Quote
Dru Posted October 5, 2001 Posted October 5, 2001 You can practice this with the help of a willing accomplice. "Relax! I'm gonna hit you!" "OK here goes!" SMACK! "OW!" "Guess you didn't relax enough. Let's try again. C'mon, RELAX this time!" Quote
Guest Posted October 5, 2001 Posted October 5, 2001 Wow someone needs training on how to fall. What next? Maybe I should give a seminar and charge people to learn how to fall off of rocks? Quote
Dru Posted October 5, 2001 Posted October 5, 2001 They already have that seminar.It's called a Mountaineers Climbing Class Quote
Cpt.Caveman Posted October 5, 2001 Posted October 5, 2001 quote: Originally posted by Dru: They already have that seminar.It's called a Mountaineers Climbing Class I wanted to say that but well you know someone would obviously start a flame war with me Quote
Dru Posted October 5, 2001 Posted October 5, 2001 Yeah - Actually I was referring to the BC Mountaineers but none of them know how to use a computer so.... none of them will notice. Quote
Beck Posted October 5, 2001 Posted October 5, 2001 get real drunk and fall off a roof, helps keep you limber for falls at the crags. Quote
Dru Posted October 5, 2001 Posted October 5, 2001 quote: Originally posted by Beck: get real drunk and fall off a roof, helps keep you limber for falls at the crags. should I wear a helmet for that? Â Quote
Cpt.Caveman Posted October 5, 2001 Posted October 5, 2001 Maybe you can install a spring loaded bumper on the top of you helmet. That way you just bounce back! Then I would suggest snorkeling down the Wenatchee River at a high rate of speed! Quote
Dru Posted October 5, 2001 Posted October 5, 2001 I'll consider that after my "extreme pavement waterskiing" gig gets shown on espn4. Quote
Downhill Posted October 5, 2001 Posted October 5, 2001 opps [This message has been edited by Downhill (edited 10-05-2001).] Quote
haireball Posted November 19, 2001 Posted November 19, 2001 this may sound really idiotic, but I find that I experience fewer ankle sprains/fractures bouldering in my Lowa Denali Extremes than I do bouldering in rock-shoes... and no, this is not tongue-in-cheek - Quote
Dennis_the_Menace Posted November 20, 2001 Posted November 20, 2001 "That's not flying, that's 'falling with style'" Woody the Cowboy. Never ever forget to fall with style. Quote
climberbro16 Posted November 21, 2001 Posted November 21, 2001 I was at the needles during the summer waiting to do a problem but had to wait 30 minutes for someone to move there Buick from underneeth. They were using it as a crash pad. Quote
climberbro16 Posted December 6, 2001 Posted December 6, 2001 I forgot to say that that was the Needles in South Dakota. Quote
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