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lmg121
May 21, 2003, 1:11 PM
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Registered: Nov 29, 2002
Posts: 9
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[-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- lmg121 wrote: OK, I'm not a climber (just the simple idea scares the hell out me). My brother however has just started and is loving it!! With Christmas & Birthday coming up, thought nice practical gift would be gear that he'll need!! Obviously want it to be a surprise so want to get stuff that he won't need to be there for but don't have a clue what that includes. Jut looking for a few ideas really, any help totally welcome!! ] That was a message I posted in November. My brother was starting to learn in full the delights of climbing. I was adament that I would support as much as possible but there was no way in hell I was even remotely interested in climbing. 6 months on and I can't get enought of it. It's just such a buzz. Your posts now become clear to me. New meaning is upon me. I've yet to try real rock, just using in door walls, and I haven't lead climbed yet. A little advice is needed. Big Bro says I'm going to have good technique. Problem is I find it hard to push myself to try something complicated as I have this terrible fear of falling, I know totally not going to as got a very good belayer but it just won't budge from my head. I have fallen as such so I know it isn't bad on top rope but arrrgghhh!! Any ideas how you get past it.
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edge
May 21, 2003, 1:30 PM
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Registered: Apr 14, 2003
Posts: 9120
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Coaching a Junior climbing team, I see kids all the time who are holding themselves back because of a fear of falling. When I notice this, I usually prescribe a little "fall therapy". It works best in the controlled environs of a gym, but will also work outdoors. Climb up about 15-20 feet and with the rope taught, intentionally let go. Next, get back on and have your belayer let out a foot or two of slack, then let go again. After a few of these, gradually increase the amount of slack that the belayer lets out. I've had kids who were petrified of falling let go and catch 10+ feet of air by the end of one session. You should do this several times over several visits. Eventually your subconsious will realize that falling is no big deal, and will release your mind to focus on the moves, not on falling. I hope this helps; good luck!
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jehovah_jireh
May 21, 2003, 8:53 PM
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Registered: May 21, 2003
Posts: 18
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I'm not completly over the fear but something that helps me is just falling, I agree with edge. Find a good belay partner, I'd recommend in a gym because I trust the gym and just take a plunge.... it's scary but best way to get over it.
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