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Chockstone Forum - General Discussion

General Climbing Discussion

Topic Date User

bumbly blues ..... 30-Mar-2004 At 2:23:40 PM M

Message

See the recent topic “fear of flying”

http://www.chockstone.org/Forum/Forum.asp?Action=Display&ForumID=1&MessageID=6237&Replies=1

I often find that I get a bit freaked out on top rope. It seems really stupid but I can lead a route close to my limit and I am fine because I am focusing on the climbing. On top rope and on easier routes you don’t need to focus on the moves so much and I start to think about falling. Also on top rope there is there is an easy way out and it may be tempting to take it. If you are above your gear on lead you either fall or keep climbing. The only times I have ever been close to loosing it have been seconding or on top rope and well below my limit. At these time is best to just push through it (as long as you know it is safe to do so).

Taking SAFE practice falls is a good idea but I also think spending as much time as far off the ground as you can is good practice. I guess everybody is different but I don’t really think that climbing in the gym prepares you mentally for climbing outside.

I would definitely recommend doing the learn to lead course. You will probably be so focused on what you are doing that you will forget to be scared.

Also don’t feel bad about getting nervous its pretty normal and even though cliffs at Weribee are pretty short they are a long way up a steep hill and feel quite exposed.

The most important thing is to to be able to tell the difference between fear that will stop you from killing yourself and fear that will stop you enjoying yourself.

mat