Beginner Ice Climbing Tips

I'm going ice climbing for the first time in February in the Minneapolis region and was wondering if any more experienced ice climbers had any over arching tips for gear, technique, dressing, and any other tips? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. We probably wont do much leading as its my first time but If i feel comfortable leading we will lead.

Scott Biegert wrote:

Best advice is meet about 30 ice climbing partners,  that way you can hopefully find someone to climb with that fits with your schedule. Keep in contact with all of them , good luck and have fun!

Thanks! I'm going with my friend who's dad has upwards of 20 years of ice experience and I probably wont go ice climbing again until next year.

watch these

https://www.climbing.com/skills/learn-how-to-master-ice-climbing-with-will-gadds-10-minute-video-series-youll-get-better-we-guarantee-it/

As much as you can, keep your feet semi-wide apart for balance. Don't swing unless you're in comfortable balance on both feet. People fall when they hurry their swing (resulting in less-than-adequate sticks) because they are off balance.  Related - if one foot slips off while you're swinging, get that foot re-planted before you swing again.

Shake out early and often.

If you have both tools in solid, step up. If you have both feet in solid, move a tool up.

Sometimes 2 easy swings of the tool is better than one big one, especially true when the ice dinnerplates (shatters around the impact point).

Keep your elbows close to the ice to avoid pulling out on the tools.

Only move on solid tool placements. But if you're unsure about it, look down so it won't hit your face if it pops out.

Back to the first point - wide feet. Tools generally above the line of your shoulders. You want an A position for your body rather than an X or (the worst) a T.

Don't stand under the route if there's a climber on it.

Ben Podborski wrote:

watch these

https://www.climbing.com/skills/learn-how-to-master-ice-climbing-with-will-gadds-10-minute-video-series-youll-get-better-we-guarantee-it/

I watched these yesterday, so great. 

Timmy,

bring 2 or more pairs of gloves.

Will Gadd video***

Gunkiemike post***

Keep your heels Down. 

Try and have fun. 

The road is scarier than you think,

Rob

Three pairs of leather gloves: one for the approach, some thinner gloves for climbing, and thicker ones for belaying. Stuff the climbing gloves near your heart inside your jacket while belaying—dries ‘em out and makes ‘em toasty.

Don’t even think about leading yet.

Keep your heels low.

Ben Podborski wrote:

watch these

https://www.climbing.com/skills/learn-how-to-master-ice-climbing-with-will-gadds-10-minute-video-series-youll-get-better-we-guarantee-it/

I just had a good look at my crampons based on these awesome movies and made some adjustments. Now if only there was an ice crag nearby... 

Leading an ice climb should be one of the furthest thoughts in your mind. You could do some mock leads on top rope though.