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General Climbing Discussion

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What got you started? 23-Oct-2007 At 10:26:14 AM Organ Pipe

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When I was 13, a couple of mates and I had been doing regular hikes and back country ski trips with a teacher from our school. He organised a climbing trip to Araps (he was a very experienced climber) for about 7 of us, run by him and a couple of his equally experienced climbing friends.

My first ever climb was Panzer on the right watchtower face, in a bicycle helmet and converse basketball boots.
We'd split up into 3 teams, with the 3 "adults" doing the leading for each team. I was given a crash course in lead belaying and thrown in the deep end. I swore that trip that I'd never EVER do something as dangerous as lead climbing....

A few years, a casual job, and a drivers license later, and I was building my rack and heading up to Araps with anyone who'd come!

I really identify with those of you that have commented on an ealy desire to climb anything - trees, rooftops, whatever - That had been a major part of my childhood prior to being introduced to the concept of climbing rocks.