Indoor Climbing Commands

Texas Rock Gym Lingo:

A-R-C-H

A – Anchor – ensure the belayer is propery anchored to the ground before you begin your climb
R – Rope – ensure the rope is not twisted or tangled. Ensure the top of the rope is near the end of the route you want to climb
C – Carabiner – Ensure the climbers and the belayer’s carabiners are in facing downward and are locked
H – Harness – Ensure all buckles are in the locked position – O = Open, C = Closed.

Climbing Commands:

1. Climber, “On belay?” – this command is asking the belayer if they are ready to start belaying the climb
2. Belayer, “Belay On” – the belayer is ready to belay the climb
3. Climber, “Climbing?” – the climber is asking premission to start climbing
4. Belayer, “Climb on” – The belay is ready for the climber to begin the climb
5. Climber – “Take?” – asking the belay to pull in all of the slack in the rope and go into the lock position.
6. Belayer – “Take on” – belayer has removed all of the slack in the rope, is the locked position and ready to take on the weight of the climber.
7. Climber – “Lower?” – The climber has put all weight on the rope but letting go of the wall and putting their body in an L shape position. They are asking to be lowered to the ground.
8. Belayer – “Lowering” – The belayer has verified the climber is not standing or holding on to the wall and they are ready to lower the climber to the ground.

Tip #1: Rest during your climb

Climbing takes a lot of muscle. When you are a beginner, you are probably using the wrong muscles so it’s even more important to take breaks during your climb and shake out your hands/feet. Here is the link to guide we discussed. http://www.climbing.com/skill/redpoint-resting/

Tip #2: Stretching between climbing days:

Most of us are using muscles that we are not used to using. Keep limber in between climbing days by doing these yoga moves. http://www.climbing.com/skill/question-of-balance/

Montana State Parks

 

Montana's State Parks

by Amy H

State parks provide a variety of activities for everyone. Most state parks tend to have family camping grounds and more remote or primitive camping grounds for those looking for a quieter experience.

Regardless of which State Park and which camping spot you pick, each location has different restrictions so make sure you always check the "Rules and Regulations" section of the government site.

Montana State Parks

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park

 The site of Barnegat Lighthouse on the northern tip of Long Beach Island in Ocean County was regarded as one of the most crucial "change of course" points for coastal vessels. Vessels bound to and from New York along the New Jersey coastline depended on Barnegat Lighthouse to avoid the shoals extending from the shoreline. The swift currents, shifting sandbars, and the offshore shoals challenged the skills of even the most experienced sailor. The park is included as a maritime site on the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail.

New Jersey State Parks

Assateague State Park

  Maryland's only ocean park is located on Assateague Island, a barrier island bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by Sinepuxent Bay. Two miles of ocean beaches offer swimming, beachcombing, sunbathing, surfing and fishing.
Maryland State Parks

Edison State Park

The renovated museum has re-opened with all new exhibits!

Located within Edison State Park, the Center consists of the Art Deco Edison Memorial Tower and a small museum devoted to Thomas Alva Edison's time of immense creativity at Menlo Park. The museum, located at 37 Christie Street, Edison, New Jersey, is open: Thursday - Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

New Jersey State Parks

Above All State Park

  Services:  Walk-in Park (Undeveloped) Location:From the junction of Route 45 and Route 341 in Warren, proceed north on Route 45 for 0.2 mile and turn left on Sackett Hill Road.  Follow Sackett Hill Road 0.7 mile and turn left on Above All Road.  Follow Above All Road for 1.0 mile to the barred gate on the left. Fee:  There is no parking fee at this park.

Connecticut State Parks

Black Rock State Park

 

Black Rock offers excellent swimming, hiking, scenic views, and Indian legend all tucked into the scenic rolling hills of the Western Highlands.

There are 78 sites in a wooded setting that are available in Black Rock Campground.  The camping season begins in mid-April and ends September 30. More Information

Connecticut State Parks