I'm super-excited to get outside on some real rock tomorrow in Colorado! However, I've heard that smeary, non-existent footholds are the order of the day out there, so I'm expecting this scene to play out a lot:
Gym Rat Outside, pt. 1
I've only climbed on actual rock three times so far, due to Southeast Michigan's crushing lack of vertical terrain. So far, this has been my biggest challenge making the transition from gym to crag.
Mortal Coil
The first time I tried to coil a rope, I nearly strangled myself. It's gotten better since then... mostly.
Climbing Holds
Holds that I like: Jugs
Holds that I dislike: Everything else
Eight-Eyes
My climbing partner and I are easily the coolest-looking people in the gym...
Whipper Will
Flashback to when I finally took the lead test at my gym, after about two years of postponing it because I was scared of taking the fall.
Reader... I took the fall.
Communication
I try not to be one of those climbers who is super-chatty while they are on the wall... but there have been occasional lapses.
I'm still annoyed about those leggings, especially because the kneebar ended up not working anyways.
Soft
All my greatest sends are soft.
Tender Tendons
Shoes? Check. Harness? Check. Chalk bag? Check.
Ridiculous amount of finger tape? .....checkmate.
Cracked
I've always avoided the crack in my gym, as I had no idea how to climb it. And then I learned.
And now I avoid it because it HURTS LIKE HELL.
Hindsight Beta
Have I mentioned that I'm not very good at route-reading?
Idiocy aside, I'm actually unduly pleased with myself that I made that move without using the arete. It was WAAAAAAAAY harder that way.
Visualization
Some climbers, such as Adam Ondra, can meticulously dial in beta for a route by visualizing every single move in incredible detail before they even leave the ground.
I am not one of those climbers.
Grades
Don't even get me started on indoor vs, outdoor grades...
World's Best Spotter
Giving a good spot when bouldering is an art. An art I have not mastered.