Hollieclimber Participating in a Dr. Piton Mini Big Wall Tutorial

Here we see Hollieclimber demonstrating the Russian Aider System while topstepping in an apple tree in the Curry Village parking lot not far from Camp 5.

There are a couple of things I want you to notice.

First of all, you can see that the hook on her left knee is into the locker that attaches the blue Ring-O-Lette strap to the blue Metolius Adjustable Daisy. Ultimately, she will move up and put the hook directly into the green sling on the tree.

Next, note how long the blue adjustable daisy has been extended, and also how long the adjustable fifi has been extended. The fifi is turned edge-on to the camera and is hooked into the purple gate Petzl Spirit lead carabiner, and is difficult to see. It is on the orange cord with the green stripes.

Because these points of attachment are extended, Holly is by definition topstepping. You can see she's a good foot above where you would normally stand in the third step of your traditional aiders, which is where she would be were the adjustable fifi cord cinched up tightly.

Finally, notice Hollie's smile! [No, that twig is not sticking out of her mouth. Sheesh.] This is not the smile of a disturbed topstepper - it is the smile of a climber very much in balance, and very comfortable despite being so high above her piece.

Topstepping is easy, and if you are not using Russian Aiders, then you are doing things the Hard Way, and doing things the hard way is the sport of fools.

I predict that Russian Aiders are the way of the future, and that one day they will be more popular than traditional aiders.

Russian Aiders are the Better Way, and are ETS! [Emphatically The Shit.]

From left to right, Dr. Piton, Hollieclimber, Stuart Little, and Wee-Wee the Big Wall Crab.