Partner for Yosemite next Summer

Hi all,

I am semi new to climbing. I have done a number of top ropes and have lead a 3 pitch trad route in North Carolina. I am looking for a partner to help me advance even farther. I am looking for someone who is willing to let me join them on a Big Wall climb in Yosemite next summer. I am a fast learner and will basically do whatever has to be done to remain safe. I understand that I will be the learner so I will do what the more experienced say. I get a few weeks in Yosemite next summer and I really want to climb a big wall. Between now and then I will be doing several multi pitch routes were I live.

If you have any questions please contact me by phone: (423) 557-6518. Text or call and I will respond as soon as possible.

Once again, this is a sport I have a deep passion for.

Curt Baird

Curt,

From your description, it sounds like you are a long ways from being ready for a big wall climb. Maybe you meant "multipitch," instead of big wall.

Find someone to take you out on some Grade III, then IV climbs, then start talking big wall. Maybe learn some aid skills, too, if big wall climbs are your goal.

Just my two cents.

You are correct, basically trying to find a way to get into it more.

I suggest re-posting this partner request a month or so before your trip - you shouldn't have any problem finding partners.

I agree with the above. Spend your time between now and next summer getting as much experience as possible. Yosemite isn't the best place for a total noob to be on a long route, especially in peak season. Some things to focus on for multipitching:

(1) ability to manage a rope at a belay,
(2) ability to clean passive and active pro in a sensible way (i.e. analyze how it goes in, work it out without force),
(3) ability to give an attentive lead belay,
(4) know what to do when arriving at a belay, as a second
(5) knowledge of basic climbing hitches and knots
(6) knowing how to rappel

If you can do all or most of these things upon arriving in the Valley, you'll be sure to have a blast and learn a lot. If you know how to do these things, you may also want to focus on:

(1) placing pro, while keeping the safety of your second in mind
(2) building redundant trad anchors
(3) self rescue techniques (e.g. escaping a belay, hauling, prussiking)

If you can do all of the above, you'll have even more fun. Aid climbing is a whole different story.