[pct-l] Ice axe Training

[calliger@infolane.com (RJC)]

Good point..And take note please there are only
3 things that are important in ice-axe training re my course at ASI:
1- Practice
2- Practice
3- Practice

with lots of practice on a safe-run-out slope the second u slip
it will become second nature to get on your chest and dig in
with the axe! -the very first second! there is no blacking out
w/practice...this along with tension! tension while u r walking
in a dangerous area-- your axe is immediately at your chest
if you are not using it to hold u....10-15 times throwing yourself
head first, sideways, all ways...upside down, curled up...
down a slope and practicing will get u over any black out
tendicies and into a high state of readiness and alert. Your life
WILL depend on it...enuf time to black out when u have a few beers
not during a slide!

Rich
BTDT!!

At 10:18 PM -0000 12/18/02, Tom Simon wrote:
>In regards to the Ice Axe training suggested in the last issue or two, I
>suggest that it's one thing to get that axe dug in when you know when the
>slides going to happen and quite another when the slide is sudden. I've had
>vertical climbing training and although it might never be used, there are a
>few techniques that might work here and there on the upper altitudes of the
>trail.
>It is generaly agreed that self arrest is out of the question if you don't
>dig in within 4 or 5 seconds of slipping. Did anyone ever notice that once
>you slip, you seem to black out or become disoriented until you come to rest
>on the ground? So how the heck are you going to plant an axe if you're
>disoriented? Bottom line in my opinion is that using the axe in tricky spots
>may stop you from sliding.
>
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