My name is Matt and I'm from Chapel Hill, NC. I have been climbing steadily outside over the last few years. I would learn more about aid climbing by seconding and speaking with competent aid climbers. I am level-headed, strong, and willing to learn. If you need a belay or would just like to share about aid routes in the southeast, please send me a personal message. Thanks for reading.
Following aid routes primarily involves your ability to efficiently jug a fixed line (and clean non-trad pro) because time and energy must be conserved. In many situations you're also responsible for hauling the pig (haul bag.) Following an aid leader, especially up a longer route, also requires total mastery of your belay technique (rope management, assisted hauling systems, belaying twin ropes, etc.) My advice: go set up a top rope static line on vertical and overhanging walls and start jugging. If you can get your style & rhythm to a point where you're jugging at a steady, fast pace without over-exerting yourself with bad technique, you'll be in a good place to start following when you find an aid leader.
Have fun, be safe, protect your knees, turn your head when you're "funking" out pins and bashies, lest you lose an eyeball.
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