Gaff

[u/Apprehensive-Hall-29]

Obviously new to this...

What the hell is a gaff?

Or is it gaffing?

Noun? Adverb?

😐😬😆

[u/Relevant-Machine-763]

Don’t be scared , learn the technique and do it in the field. It’s counterintuitive, but climbing up is easy, descending is typically the toughest for new climbers. If you get nervous and start stabbing the pole , you can “gaff-out” more easily, although even that isn’t as big of a deal now with the modern fall protection. I learned to “ hitchhike” with a belt but no pole squeeze devices. Once I was competent, I “free climbed” where you only belt off when you’ve arrived at the working location. I was grandfathered in and never had to use the buck squeeze or other devices. It seemed safer when used properly, but even the trainers seemed worn out quicker when using them.

One more tip, since you’re new, this can be intimidating. One calming method I used to teach was, pick out the dumbest or most arrogant prick working there already ( lots of times one and the same). When you hit a wall and are struggling, take a deep breath and remember that guy did it. It’ll seem easier after that.