Got Skills? Big Wall Climbing with Freddie

In an effort to share our excitement about the new Skills Series programs, we thought we’d introduce you to each Series’ instructor and have them tell you about the program in their own words. The Big Wall Climbing Series, scheduled for the evenings of December 1, 8 and 15, will be taught by Freddie Wilkinson.

 

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SP: Which skills series are you teaching and in your own words, what is it about?

Salt-Pump-big-wall-skills-series

Pro climber and Salt Pump instructor Freddie Wilkinson climbing the Nose on El Capitan. Photo: Cheyne Lempe / Mountain Hardwear

FW: Big Wall School — This course is all about exploring the basic technical skills needed to climb big walls: jumaring, hauling, anchor management, and aider movement.

SP: Who would be a good candidate for participating in this skill series?

FW: Anyone interested in big outdoor adventures. Having a solid understanding of these skills is also extremely useful for trad and even sport climbers.

SP: What would you say to someone who is considering joining but isn’t quite ready to pull the trigger?

FW: You’ll never win if you don’t play.

SP: Why are you uniquely qualified to teach it? 

FW: Since I’m not a particularly strong free climber, aid climbing techniques have allowed me to climb a bunch of big walls around the world, including 16 El Cap ascents.

SP: What do you hope your participants will gain from the series?

"This course is all about exploring the basic technical skills needed to climb big walls: jumaring, hauling, anchor management, and aider movement."

“This course is all about exploring the basic technical skills needed to climb big walls: jumaring, hauling, anchor management, and aider movement.”

FW: Hopefully everyone realizes that aid climbing can be mastered by just about anyone — it’s more about mental process and understanding the right technical ‘trick’ to use at the right time than it is about physical strength. Understanding these skills should help increase your comfort & competency anytime you are in a multi-pitch outdoor setting.

SP: Parting words?

FW: Do you have what it takes to be a wall rat? Join me and see.

 

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Register for Freddie’s Big Wall Climbing Skills Series or learn about the other Skills Series.