Kat Wilson
The Paw Print
This past Saturday, March 5, the Adams State Adventure Program (ASAP) took a group of seven students ice climbing in the North Clear Creek area.
The day started off at 7 a.m. with a quick meeting to discuss the gear that would be used during this expedition. After that it was time to do some hands on learning at a frozen waterfall that rose about 30 feet up to the top of the canyon.
The trip was led by Derek and Bailey, two of ASAP’s guides who obviously not only enjoyed teaching the group, but also enjoyed the sport itself. Once arriving at the climbing area, Bailey proceeded to teach the group how to belay, which is a technique that exerts friction on the opposite end of the rope from the climber so that the climber does not fall very far. After that, Derek and Baily spent time teaching the group how to ice climb and how to use the proper techniques involved in the sport. First, they learned how to kick into the ice using a pair of crampons, which are metal spikes attached to the bottom of a pair of boots that are used to create traction on ice.
Then Derek went over how to use an ice axe as well as how to combine both foot and hand techniques that are crucial to ice climbing. Students were then able to apply these skills on three different routes that varied in difficulty. The students in the group came from a variety of different majors, but had one thing in common: they wanted to get out and try something new. Some of the students really enjoyed this and have become fans of ice climbing, while others decided that it was not necessarily for them.
Whatever the case, everyone on the trip had fun and enjoyed getting outdoors for the day. ASAP leads a variety of different trips all year round. On March 26 they will be hosting a snowshoeing trip, and on April 2 and 3 they will be hosting a back packing trip. If you’re interested in going on either trip, visit the Adventure Program office located in the Student Life Center.
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