Women’s Health & Fitness Magazine/ November 2004
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I’m midway up the rock wall, looking above to the bright blue sky to see how much further I have to go, and then down to see how far I’ve come. Nothing but smooth rock all around, and it’s up to me to find my next move. I edge my way up another foot or so, and think about how it is that I came to find myself essentially hanging off a wall 30 feet or so above the ground.
When I decided to take rock climbing lessons, I thought, “What better place to learn than Yosemite?” It’s the idea that led me to the Yosemite Mountaineering School in the valley of the park. When I made my reservations, I was told the only things I needed to bring were a lunch and snacks, 2 liters of water and a change of clothes; everything else I needed would be provided, including climbing shoes.
The drive to Yosemite National Park can be a bit harrowing, especially for someone who’s not used to S-curved roads climbing 5,000 feet or so into the sky. Images of what lay ahead — and deep breathing — got me through and into Yosemite.
In the park, every bend opens up onto another breathtaking landscape and acclaimed rock formation. To the right, El Capitan. Straight ahead, Half Dome. Myriad rock formations, soaring trees, sparkling lakes and still meadows surround you every inch of the way. In the spring and summer, winter snows melt into thundering waterfalls, stopping everyone who passes to take in the aweinspiring beauty and remark at the wondrous works of Mother Nature.
At the mountaineering school, Bill, the climbing instructor, was full of enthusiasm when he introduced himself to our group of five in the beginner course — my friend Traci, a 34-year-old mother of three; Shelly, a 44-year-old motorcycle enthusiast; Max, a junior in high school; his 11-year-old sister, Kim; and me, 33 years old. Everyone had experience climbing rock walls in gyms or elsewhere, but this was my first climbing experience of any kind, making me the very definition of novice.
“This is the world’s premier rock climbing destination,” Bill said, welcoming us in front of our “classroom,” a 60-foot rock wall shaded by towering pines. “There are other great rock climbs out there, but this is where everyone comes — it’s the best.”
For the next hour, Bill gave us the history of rock climbing in Yosemite and around the world. He described how and why techniques and equipment have changed over the years, and how the sport is continuously evolving with each new climbing feat. He told us of Lynn Hill, the first woman to successfully climb El Capitan — all 7,569 feet. I figured if she could climb El Cap, surely I could make it up a mere 60 feet.
History lesson complete, it was time to climb. We donned our harnesses and safety helmets, learned to tie an “8” knot, one of the most common in free climbing, and how to rope ourselves in.
Our first task was to rappel off the top of the 60-foot rock wall. As someone who’d never done anything remotely close to rappelling, butterflies turned somersaults in my stomach. The deep breathing that I practice in yoga helped relax me, and I was off — literally. It took a minute or two to trust that the rope would hold me, but once I did, I scampered down the wall, exhilarated and laughing. What fun!
After everyone mastered rappelling, it was time to dig into the wall. Bill patiently taught us the proper way to belay, and we were on our way. Contrary to popular belief, free rock climbing doesn’t rely on upper body strength, but rather leg strength. We started off on a part of the wall that had a huge fissure — or chimney — running down its length, offering many opportunities for ideal foot- and handholds. Bill guided us from the ground, suggesting possible next steps. Each of us made it to the top and rappelled back down without too much of a problem.
The next section of rock face had less obvious places to put our hands and feet, making it more challenging for all of us. Before climbing on, we each took a minute or two to plan our first steps. Through each of my climbs, I found that if I leaned into the wall, I would stay in place and could make it up faster. It’s when I leaned back that I fell a couple of times. I didn’t fall far — fortunately the belay caught me and I just started over. Throughout the day I learned to edge, smear and pop — terms I’d never before heard in this context. I was rock climbing!
Sure, it wasn’t the El Capitan, but it was my El Capitan.
“Belay on,” Traci proclaimed.
“Climbing,” I replied.
And so it was that I found myself 30 feet off the ground, hanging onto the smooth rock wall, thinking to myself, “Rock on!”
Camping Out … Or Not: If you’re into camping out, there are plenty of opportunities in Yosemite National Park. Choose a pitch-it-yourself site and set up camp. Or, if you’d rather, stay in an already-pitched canvas-sided tent with cots or rustic cabin. For more upscale “camping,” book a room at the luxurious Ahwahnee Hotel right in the valley.
Want to be pampered after a long day of climbing? Head to the Groveland Hotel just 23 miles down the road.
Ready to go?
Yosemite Mountaineering School
Camping in Yosemite National Park
Glossary :
Belay: procedure of securing a climber by the use of a rope; a climber is on belay when the belayer is prepared to lock off the rope in the event of a fall.
Edge: [ noun ] a small rock ledge; [ verb ] the act of standing on such a ledge.
Free climb: ascending the rock face using only hands and feet; the rope and protection are used only as a safeguard against injury.
Pop: to use leverage on one foot/leg to “pop” up to the next foothold.
Rappel: to descend a rope using friction devices to control speed.
Smear: to gain purchase by using friction to adhere the sole of the shoe onto a rock.
— ( Definitions courtesy of Gorp.com )