| Don't tell me, you love rock climbing but you want to | | | | where the salesmen are enthusiastic about the sport. |
| push yourself that little bit further and put your | | | | Don't just buy the first thing you see and listen |
| fragile existence in a bit more danger? If I'm right | | | | carefully to what the salespeople have to say. The |
| then ice climbing could be for you. If you like the idea | | | | equipment can be expensive but you will get what |
| of being cold and wet while dangling precariously off | | | | you pay for so don't be over frugal because this |
| a frozen waterfall then you are one crazy cat, but | | | | stuff will keep you alive. Make sure all the clothing fits |
| you also qualify to read on... | | | | you correctly and that it's a style you can live with |
| Step one | | | | for a while. Remember that colour clothing will stand |
| Hopefully you know a bit about rock climbing already, | | | | out on the ice which may be an advantage if you |
| if not you have got some serious work to do. You | | | | get lost. Try all this equipment out before you get to |
| will need to be experienced in the techniques so get | | | | the ice. Don't forget you may be spending the night |
| some professional help and get plenty of practice. | | | | out there so consider the stuff you will need out |
| You will need to know about belaying, abseiling, tying | | | | there like tents, stoves, sleeping bags etc. |
| into the rope etc. There are lots of indoor climbing | | | | Step four |
| walls where you can learn but for the best | | | | Don't forget that however much rock climbing you |
| experience get some lessons on an actual rock... | | | | do will not fully prepare you for Ice climbing; it is cold, |
| Step Two | | | | wet and dangerous. You will become reliant on your |
| When you are comfortable with rock climbing get | | | | equipment, ice screws crampons, ropes, harnesses |
| your hands on some ice climbing gear, you may be | | | | and axes etc so you must be confident and |
| able to borrow some from the instructor or you can | | | | comfortable with them. You probably won't be out |
| hire it. It will include crampons and an axe and other | | | | there alone so if you get these things wrong it will |
| tools as well as ropes helmets and protective clothing. | | | | not only put your life in danger but the others too... |
| Practice using this and getting comfortable using it. | | | | Step five |
| You probably won't be able to find a frozen waterfall | | | | OK, you've practised rock climbing till your fingers |
| in your local area but you can get a feel for the | | | | bled and you have got all the techniques down to a |
| equipment at least... | | | | fine art. You have got tools and equipment coming |
| Step three | | | | out of your ears and you're ready for the adventure. |
| If you are still sure this is the sport for you, you had | | | | Go and find a glacier, frozen waterfall, or snow |
| better buy some equipment. Go to specialist outlets | | | | covered mountain and you're up and running... |