skitty Posted August 6, 2001 Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lambone Posted August 6, 2001 Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pope Posted August 6, 2001 Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EddieE Posted August 6, 2001 Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skitty Posted August 9, 2001 Author Share Posted August 9, 2001 Hey, Thanks for everyone's help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
upzmtn@mindspring.com Posted September 15, 2001 Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MysticNacho Posted October 3, 2001 Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jblakley Posted October 3, 2001 Share Posted October 3, 2001 What makes gravel that's been peed on safer to fall on than regular gravel? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retrosaurus Posted October 3, 2001 Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Downhill Posted October 4, 2001 Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dru Posted October 5, 2001 Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 5, 2001 Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dru Posted October 5, 2001 Share Posted October 5, 2001 They already have that seminar.It's called a Mountaineers Climbing Class Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cpt.Caveman Posted October 5, 2001 Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dru Posted October 5, 2001 Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beck Posted October 5, 2001 Share Posted October 5, 2001 get real drunk and fall off a roof, helps keep you limber for falls at the crags. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cpt.Caveman Posted October 5, 2001 Share Posted October 5, 2001 I am good at that get drunk part Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dru Posted October 5, 2001 Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cpt.Caveman Posted October 5, 2001 Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dru Posted October 5, 2001 Share Posted October 5, 2001 I'll consider that after my "extreme pavement waterskiing" gig gets shown on espn4. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Downhill Posted October 5, 2001 Share Posted October 5, 2001 opps [This message has been edited by Downhill (edited 10-05-2001).] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haireball Posted November 19, 2001 Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennis_the_Menace Posted November 20, 2001 Share Posted November 20, 2001 "That's not flying, that's 'falling with style'" Woody the Cowboy. Never ever forget to fall with style. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
climberbro16 Posted November 21, 2001 Share 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
climberbro16 Posted December 6, 2001 Share Posted December 6, 2001 I forgot to say that that was the Needles in South Dakota. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.