Good morning all,

I a complete noob to aid climbing but am fascinated by the concept, especially by those stubby, obscure desert towers that some basic aid skills can be a tremendous benefit on.

I am heading to the Moab area later this week and would love to try the Pickle (5.7 C0-C1). I have read about the two aider technique (and watched the Supertopo video) and it certainly seems more efficient for this type of easy aid. But it usually seems to be accomplished with ladder style aiders.

SO, my question is, is the two aider technique just as applicable with the opposed step, etrier style aiders? Albeit a little more balancy? If so, what is a good aider length to go with? Five-step or longer?

Sorry for the long winded post, thanks a bunch,

Nate

How tall are you??

I am 5.11 and prefer 6 step. 5 step is managable but can be a little short maxing out my reach.



I use 3 ladders. alway alternating the "floating" aider.
Works great and is less of a gaggle.

though on some C1 where you may go in and out of free I use just 2 and they are offset like you are referring too. Doesnt make much difference to me as you usually have a big crack to help withj balanace too.

Nate,

Check out my comments in this thread about going from 4 to 2.

http://www.mountainproject.com/v/big_wall_and_aid_climbing/t>>>>>


Hopefully it will help you out.

Cheers

john