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Devil's Lake Trad and Rappel Partner wanted

Original Post
Adam Wunsch · · Midwest/Pacific Northwest · Joined Jun 2012 · Points: 70

Hey there,
I am looking forma partner for rappelling and trad climbing at Devil's lake. I am new to trad and lead climbing, but rappellng is a very strong point. I live and work as a firefghter in the Madison Area.

NickinCO · · colorado · Joined Sep 2010 · Points: 155

oooooooooonnnnnn rapppppppppppel

Adam Wunsch · · Midwest/Pacific Northwest · Joined Jun 2012 · Points: 70

I'm taking that a possible partner?

NickinCO · · colorado · Joined Sep 2010 · Points: 155

I'm out in Colorado now, but used to frequent the lake a lot. Was a firefighter just outside of Chicago too. Just a word of advice most climbers don't enjoy the sport of "rappling" so you might not get too many responses with your post.

Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280

Adam, are you related to climbing great Steve Wunsch?
edit: spelling might be different,, I forget.

Adam Wunsch · · Midwest/Pacific Northwest · Joined Jun 2012 · Points: 70

Not that I'm aware of...though my dad is named Steve...

Adam Wunsch · · Midwest/Pacific Northwest · Joined Jun 2012 · Points: 70

Nick: I'm actually more interested in trad and lead climbing.

Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280

I'm guessing you have been doing alot of toprope climbs already at the Lake? If not, there are numerous opportunities to meet climbers on the East Bluffs any weekend, and many guides/outfitters who instruct up there too.

Marc H · · Longmont, CO · Joined May 2007 · Points: 265
Adam Wunsch · · Midwest/Pacific Northwest · Joined Jun 2012 · Points: 70

Marc - Yes a lot of top rope, I just started doing some lead climbing

Jillian1701 McCumber · · Irvine, CA · Joined May 2012 · Points: 25

I'm down for some rappelling and climbing at DL. I'm also new to both rappelling and outdoor climbing. I might be more inclined to toprope the first few times, but as I get more gear, I'd like to take up lead climbing as well. I'll likely be out there the weekend of June 16/17 and/or June 23/24.

Woodchuck ATC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 3,280
Jeremy1701 wrote:I'm down for some rappelling and climbing at DL. I'm also new to both rappelling and outdoor climbing. I might be more inclined to toprope the first few times, but as I get more gear, I'd like to take up lead climbing as well. I'll likely be out there the weekend of June 16/17 and/or June 23/24.
Jeremy I sincerely caution you, based on some words above. 1) sounds like outdoors is quite new to you...I heavily suggest LOTS of toproped routes at DL, not 'the first few times' as you stated. 2)the rock is nothing like other typical rock or like any gym walls,,,it demands your respect for its slick surface. 3) leading is not something to take lightly, or to be rushed in to. Affording to buy lots of gear is not a free pass to become a lead climber. Please take lots of instruction from some qualified service before you just head out to lead. 4) Suggest you begin with an anchors placement course. Then lots of toproped routes, next follow lots of leads to inspect the gear placements and clean routes, practice the same placements ON Toprope, to be sure they fit again. Do all of this well within the lower ratings to be comfortable with(under 5.8 to start) There are way too many accidents at DL from hasty, hurried gym climbers who think plastic walls prepared them for the entire lead climbing experience. If you get out several weekends a month, don't expect to be doing your own leads until this fall. Seriously. New gear and techniques don't make up for old school practice. A human still can only learn and master so much at one time.
Jillian1701 McCumber · · Irvine, CA · Joined May 2012 · Points: 25

Very good words of wisdom Woodchcuck. You offer some really good advice for anyone who's beginning climbing, very similar to the many books I've read and the advice I've received from others. Heck, it's probably good advice for anyone who does any climbing.

For the record, the outdoors are not new to me. I have extensive experience hiking and paddling throughout much of WI and beyond. I've hiked miles of the IAT. I've kayaked almost the entire length of the WI River, some of the Mississippi river and most of the rivers in SE WI (Fox, Des Plains, Crawfish, Root, etc). I've hiked every formal trail and several routes on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. I've hiked almost the entire length of the JMT, with one section left to finish this fall. I've summited 7 mountains (non-technical) and been over too many passes to count. My backcountry resume includes Smokey Mountains, Rocky Mountains, Zion, Bryce, Arches, and numerous other national parks. I've even been on some serious spelunking adventures down in the Mammoth Cave area. All in all, I have spent a combined total of over 100 days in the backcountry. I'm ready to move beyond flatwater and maintained trials.

I do plan on taking some classes on climbing, but you know... You've got to start somewhere!

Chad Miller · · Grand Junction, CO · Joined Nov 2006 · Points: 150
Jeremy1701 wrote:Very good words of wisdom Woodchcuck. You offer some really good advice for anyone who's beginning climbing, very similar to the many books I've read and the advice I've received from others. Heck, it's probably good advice for anyone who does any climbing. For the record, the outdoors are not new to me. I have extensive experience hiking and paddling throughout much of WI and beyond. I've hiked miles of the IAT. I've kayaked almost the entire length of the WI River, some of the Mississippi river and most of the rivers in SE WI (Fox, Des Plains, Crawfish, Root, etc). I've hiked every formal trail and several routes on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. I've hiked almost the entire length of the JMT, with one section left to finish this fall. I've summited 7 mountains (non-technical) and been over too many passes to count. My backcountry resume includes Smokey Mountains, Rocky Mountains, Zion, Bryce, Arches, and numerous other national parks. I've even been on some serious spelunking adventures down in the Mammoth Cave area. All in all, I have spent a combined total of over 100 days in the backcountry. I'm ready to move beyond flatwater and maintained trials. I do plan on taking some classes on climbing, but you know... You've got to start somewhere!
That's all well and good but I never saw a mention of rock climbing in that long list of hikes.
Adam Wunsch · · Midwest/Pacific Northwest · Joined Jun 2012 · Points: 70

In Response to Jeremy, I'd prefer someone with past experience (whether it be through military, fire/ems, or civilian) to rappel with. As far as top roping - I am open to helping you if you are at Devil's Lake while I am there. I cannot in all good heart let you belay me though.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Midwest
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