[pct-l] ice axe length

[BWIL5272@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Brad Wilson)]

I don't think anyone ever said reading a book or one day of classes would
make anyone an expert. The idea is that you read the book and take the
classes in order to be able to practice the correct technique. I actually
did that - went to the whites over winter vacation for the sole purpose or
practicing self arrest. If you're going to practice - one word of advice, be
sure you have a long, smooth, safe run out below you - you don't want to
start above some rocks and realize you can't stop!

-Brad



On 2/16/03 12:33 AM, "Marshall Karon" <m.karon@attbi.com> wrote:

> Thank goodness I never needed to use the ice axe on my journey. The idea is
> that if you need to do a self arrest, you need to instantly use the ice axe.
> And that takes practice and practice. Depending on your athletic abilities,
> don't believe that a one day course or reading a book or reading this site
> will make you an expert or allow you to do what you need to do if you start
> sliding. You will never need ropes. Some people use crampons - and you need
> to know the dangers. But, if you can get into the Whites and practice on
> those slopes (Tuckerman's  - now that is steep!), go for it.
>
> However, because of the practice needed, some  hikers don't take any ice
> axe. They figure that if they get into a place where they need an ice axe,
> they will wait for better conditions - like hiking in the noon heat and
> avoiding early morning and late afternoons. Limits your mileage, but ....
>
>
> Marshall Karon
> Portland, OR
> m.karon@attbi.com
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Gary Wright" <at2002@earthlink.net>
> To: "Matt Geis" <mgeis@yahoo.com>
> Cc: <PCT-L@mailman.backcountry.net>
> Sent: Saturday, February 15, 2003 8:19 PM
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] ice axe length
>
>
>>
>> On Saturday, February 15, 2003, at 10:10  PM, Matt Geis wrote:
>>> to choose, let alone use, an axe.  Take a course or
>>> get out and practice with a partner.
>>
>> I've been looking around for courses in the area (Connecticut). EMS has
>> a climbing school (www.emsclimb.com) that offers a one day
>> mountaineering course including use of ropes, crampons, ice axes and
>> self-arrest.  They offer the course for $180 per person with no more
>> than three students per instructor.
>>
>> Is this a reasonable price?  Is anyone familiar with their courses? Any
>> other recommendations out there for classes in the New England area?
>> Is one day
>> enough?  They offer two and three day courses also.  I'm looking for the
>> basic skills needed during a PCT thru-hike.
>>
>> Radar www.trailjournals.com/gwright
>> AT2002,PCT2003?,CDT?
>>
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