Adéla swapped her laptop for a seat cushion and went ferraty
This time our marquee Adéla went to test the experience for herself. She chose ferrata because she loves trying new things, outdoing herself and sport in general has been an essential part of her life since her first fiddle medal in kindergarten. How was it? Read
Ferrata in the city centre
When we recently published a post featuring the ice wall in Liberec, I was immediately reminded of my fairly recent experience associated with the place. I had the great idea to go and test the local Ferrata, which is probably one of the few created right in the city centre.
First, I went on a scouting trip the day before. Like today, I can see myself standing on top of that rock and thinking:
"Like I'm really going to do this!"
I was going to, of course. I've been excited about the ferrata for a long time. When D-Day came, I arrived at the quarry at the appointed time and was immediately taken in by the instructor. "Hi, I'm Tomas." Or was it Paul? :-) I don't know anymore, but it doesn't matter because I met several instructors during the day and they were all nice and friendly. The general mood in the quarry was good, and so the fear was right there.
Tomas brought me the necessary equipment, showed me how to properly put on and secure my harness, and it was off to the rock. There was basic training on how to use a ferrata belay, what are the principles of any good climber and also the most common mistakes.
It looks easy, but it takes technique
There was testing on an easy route a little above the ground. The principle is still the same, so after a while I had automated all the movements and got permission to climb further. Or rather, higher. When I've advanced a bit, Tomas says to me, "Now try to put on the "water seat" and sit in the seat so you know what it feels like. If you climb somewhere for a long time, it's good to be able to rest." Here came the first stumbling block. Am I really supposed to abandon all the fixed points I have so honestly worked out with the rock and just trust the seat cushion? Like I'm scared, but okay. He knows what he's talking about. Good, it's working, so back on the rock quickly.
I'm getting the confidence to climb alone.
Tomas shows me a protrusion on the rock: "Now try to climb up there, when you get there, you've won." I climb, enjoying myself as much as possible. It's great. I'm almost as high as I was yesterday on the challenge and I'm not scared of feeling like I'm seven meters below me. It's great. I went up the protrusion for the second time. I belay myself with the belay and wave down to Tom, laughing like a lecho, that I'm there. I made it. Yay!
And how down?
I want to head back, but I can't get the carabiner loose. "Tom?!" I call down. "I've got a problem, I can't loosen the carabiner." Nothing to pay, Thomas had to get in the saddle and rush to my aid. I should add that what took me about twenty minutes, he "popped" in two. :-)
He loosened the carabiner and encouraged me to try a harder section of trail instead of going back. I'm a little scared, but my nature dictates that although I'm scared, I definitely want to heckle it. So, encouraged by Tom's promise to help me if he's up there, I switch carabiner and go. The backwards route is a bit more challenging, but it's good. I switch to the next part of the rope, I want to take a step, but somehow I have nowhere to put my foot. Ehmm, what now?
"You have to clamp your foot on the rock, switch legs quickly, and there's your clip."
Hey, I did it, I'm in. I'm moving on. Yeah, the hole between the crampons, I know that one. I make the jump, my boot skids off the rock, and I manage to catch the toe on the previous clip. Well, let me tell you, it's not exactly a comfortable position. I'm holding myself with my toothpicks above the seven-meter hole (read hands :-)) and I'm leaning lightly on the toe of my foot, which is starting to shake a lot. I'm not going to pull myself up, I don't have the strength. I'm starting to get a little panicked panic. Tomas is coming to help me. When suddenly, without warning, my arms let go and I rock in my seat. Well, I trust him to hold me up... :-)
Tomas took me down, we sat down together with the other instructors by the fire, the guys offered me a drink and we all laughed about it together. I asked how hard the section was so I would know where not to go when I climbed somewhere alone. He said D/E. Well, that's cool and I'm pretty proud of myself for getting at least halfway up the first climb. I can't wait to go again. Maybe to Semily, they say it's very nice and ideal for beginners.
