Description
Book SynopsisThe ability to climb cracks is at the core of a climber’s craft. Crack Climbing by Pete Whittaker provides a single point of reference for all crack climbing techniques, regardless of the grade you climb.
Pete is widely regarded as one of the best crack climbers in the world, having made dozens of cutting-edge first ascents and hard repeats, including the first ascent of Century Crack (5.14b) in Canyonlands, Utah. In this book, Pete has drawn on years of experience to demonstrate the many different techniques and to give you an understanding of when, why and how to use them. Develop these skills with confidence and your climbing standard will improve.
The book is split into easily accessible sections on techniques for different widths of cracks, including finger cracks, hand and fist cracks, offwidth cracks and chimneys. Pete looks at the basics, including the hand jam – the essential technique in any crack climber’s repertoire – right through to advanced techniques such as the sidewinder and the trout tickler. Step-by-step practical information and how-tos are supplemented with tips and tricks from Pete alongside illustrations by Alex Poyzer and photographs. Additional chapters cover how to tape up, as well as essential gear and equipment.
Pete has also interviewed some of the world’s top crack climbers so that you can learn from the best. Gain insights from Lynn Hill, Alex Honnold, Barbara Zangerl, Peter Croft and more.
Master the craft and advance your climbing. It’s time to jam!
Table of ContentsPreface
A Note
Before We Begin: Key Terms
1 Introduction: the Five Rules of Crack Climbing
Meet the master: Beth Rodden
2 Finger Cracks
Meet the master: Lynn Hill
Meet the master: Jerry Moffatt
3 Hand Cracks
Meet the master: Barbara Zangerl
4 Fist Cracks
Meet the master: Peter Croft
5 Offwidth Cracks
Meet the master: Randy Leavitt
Meet the master: Mason Earle
Meet the master: Alex Honnold
6 Squeeze Chimneys
Meet the master: Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll
7 Chimneys
Meet the master: Hazel Findlay
8 Stems
Meet the master: Nico Favresse
9 Roof Cracks
Meet the master: Tom Randall
10 Placing Gear
Meet the master: Ron Fawcett
11 Equipment and Protection
Meet the master: Jean-Pierre ‘Peewee’ Ouellet
12 Taping
Meet the master: Will Stanhope
Acknowledgements
Index
