Guide for multi-pitch in Kalymnos

Howdy! A couple friends and I are headed to Kalymnos in late March. We're all comfortable leading single-pitch sport routes but we want to dip our toes into some easy multi-pitch routes while we're there. Only issue is we've never attempted a multi-pitch before, and would need some help with the basics of anchor building, rope management, etc. Can anyone recommend a guide on Kalymnos for this sort of thing? I know the area is much more famous for its single-pitch sport routes but we've all been meaning to learn multi-pitch skills for a while, so it's more of a "might as well do it while we're there" sort of thing. Thanks! 

bump!

Do you have one of the guidebooks? Most of the multi pitches, particularly the easier ones, have fixed bolted anchors at all the belays, so there is no need to 'build anchors', though you will have to work out the logistics of tying in at the belays to set up for the next lead, as well as for the actual changeovers and rope management. Depending on the climb you will also need to figure out how to rap off safely--though a few of the multi pitches have walk-offs. While I'm sure that you can hire a guide over there to assist you, it might be easier to learn this at home before you go. Initially, at least, you don't even need a multi pitch route to practice on--you could do so at a bolted belay on a single  pitch route as well ( though best not on a popular route on a busy day!!!). You could also hire a guide for a day in North Conway, the Gunks, or elsewhere in the region for this purpose, then practice a bit on your own. Especially with anchors already in place, it really isn't that hard to learn and then ingrain through subsequent practice.

You only have a couple of (theoretically) winter months before you go so doing local outside practice - either with a guide or on your own - might not be feasible.  But if we do get some spring like weather before then just go up to Rumney and do Clippety do-dah and Lady and the Tramp a few times.

Alan Rubinwrote:

Do you have one of the guidebooks? Most of the multi pitches, particularly the easier ones, have fixed bolted anchors at all the belays, so there is no need to 'build anchors', though you will have to work out the logistics of tying in at the belays to set up for the next lead, as well as for the actual changeovers and rope management. Depending on the climb you will also need to figure out how to rap off safely--though a few of the multi pitches have walk-offs. While I'm sure that you can hire a guide over there to assist you, it might be easier to learn this at home before you go. Initially, at least, you don't even need a multi pitch route to practice on--you could do so at a bolted belay on a single  pitch route as well ( though best not on a popular route on a busy day!!!). You could also hire a guide for a day in North Conway, the Gunks, or elsewhere in the region for this purpose, then practice a bit on your own. Especially with anchors already in place, it really isn't that hard to learn and then ingrain through subsequent practice.

Ah, I should mention I moved recently so my location is out-of-date -- I'm now in the Midwest and much farther from any crags. I'd love to learn some skills and get practice before we leave, but it  would require a longer trip that none of us have time for before heading to Greece. I believe you that the easier multipitches should be pretty straightforward from a skills/logistics perspective, but I'd still feel more comfortable spending a couple hours learning from a pro before we head out on our own. 

Eric Engbergwrote:

You only have a couple of (theoretically) winter months before you go so doing local outside practice - either with a guide or on your own - might not be feasible.  But if we do get some spring like weather before then just go up to Rumney and do Clippety do-dah and Lady and the Tramp a few times.

Alas, I recently left the Boston area so no Rumney for me this spring. Would love a recommendation for a guide in Kalymnos if you've got one, though!