Learn the basics of rock climbing and how to lead with gear from an experienced rock-climbing instructor. It is one of the world’s most exhilarating sports, and this book can help get you going! Traditional Lead Climbing teaches you the rock-climbing basics, and it’s the first and only guidebook intended to teach you how to lead with gear! Written by Heidi Pesterfield, a rock-climbing instructor for more than 17 years, the book is filled with step-by-step directions that you can trust. Unlike other types of climbing, such as sport and direct-aid climbing, “trad” climbing relies on placing your own gear as you climb from the ground. It’s also one of the more dangerous climbing activities, where expert guidance is a must. Heidi’s invaluable book provides essential details about everything from equipment to rope management to climbing techniques. This guide helps you learn how to safely tie in to the “sharp end” of the rope and lead both single and multipitch trad routes. Dozens of close-up photos, along with fun yet informative drawings, show situations that climbers might encounter and how to deal with them. Plus, in addition to covering the basics, Traditional Lead Climbing offers sidebars that showcase the experience, wisdom, and advice of a number of world-class climbers. Regardless of your climbing background—bouldering, sport climbing, top-roping, or mountaineering—you will learn how to Transition from the gym to the great outdoors Place protection on lead Build multidirectional anchors Navigate routes and climb cracks Explore the multipitch adventure Employ basic self-rescue techniques “If you want the knowledge and nerve to take the sharp end of the rope—buy this book. When your jams meltdown and you yell out ‘falling!’—Heidi’s beta will help you live to tell the tale.” —Timmy O’Neill, world-renowned climber and host of the award-winning film Return2Sender
* Author was an American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) certified rock guide and instructor* Learning exercises reinforce key skills* Step-by-step technique illustrated in over 150 photosCraig Luebben taught rock climbing basics to hundreds of clients and has conducted self-rescue clinics across the U.S. Here he presents the most common foot positions, hand grips, and body positions and how to use them precisely, from the smear to the crimp to the twistlock. Going beyond static moves, he emphasizes a dynamic style of movement for the greatest climbing efficiency-a style that makes the most of your strength and your time on the rock. With an emphasis on safety and how to stay within your abilities, Luebben teaches how to evaluate potential hazards and then avoid them. Topics addressed include: risk management, face climbing, crack climbing, gear, knots, anchors, belaying, toproping, sport climbing, trad climbing, multi-pitch free climbs, rappelling, aid climbing, bouldering, training, and self-rescue. Craig Luebben guided professionally for more than twenty years. The author of How to Rappel!, How to Ice Climb!, and other titles, he also wrote for magazines including Climbing and Rock & Ice. He opened many new routes on four continents.Part of the Mountaineers Outdoor Expert series.
“Sam Lightner, Jr., combines two tales of adventure, one historic and the other modern-day in his page-turner . . . With its rich sense of place and history, All Elevations Unknown offers a surprisingly fresh twist to an adventure-climbing tale.” –Climbing Magazine In the spring of 1999, armed with little more than a description from a book and a map labeled “all elevations unknown,” Sam Lightner and his German rock-climbing buddy, Volker, found themselves deep in the jungles of Borneo on a mission to climb a mountain that was only rumored to exist. What little they knew about the mountain they had learned from the memoirs of Major Tom Harrisson, a British World War II soldier who in 1945 had been assigned the near-impossible mission of parachuting blindly into the thick Borneo rainforest–where the natives had a grisly habit of cutting off heads–to try to reclaim the island for the Allies. A captivating, utterly original combination of travel adventure memoir and historical re-creation, All Elevations Unknown charts Lightner’s exhilarating and at times harrowing quest to ascend the mountain Batu Lawi in the face of leeches, vipers, and sweat bees, and to keep his team together in one of the earth’s most treacherous uncharted pockets. Along the way, he reconstructs a fascinating historical narrative that chronicles Tom Harrisson’s adventures there during the war and illuminates an astonishing piece of forgotten World War II history. Rife with suspense and vivid detail, the two intertwining tales open up the island of Borneo, its people, and its history in a powerful, unforgettable way, taking adventure writing to new heights.
Alaska Climbing includes 30 of Alaska's most classic mountaineering and rock climbs from the West Buttress of Denali to the Cobra Pillar. The book includes a detailed topography for every climb in full colour with detailed logistical route information.
The Rough Guide to Thailand in a new ePub format is the most accessible handbook to this beautiful and intriguing country. From Bangkok's vibrant night markets to stunning island beaches, the 24-page introduction pinpoints all of the country's highlights. There are details of all the best places to stay, eat and drink, to suit every budget, plus "Authors' Picks" to highlight the very best options. There is plenty of expert advice on a range of activities, from trekking and scuba-diving to cookery courses and spa treatments. The guide also takes a detailed look at Thailand's history, culture, religion and wildlife and comes complete with easy-to-read maps for every region.
The fully updated, full-colour Rough Guide to Thailand's Beaches & Islands is the perfect companion for island-hopping through Thailand's spectacular coastal regions. Whether you want to kayak through the limestone karsts of Ao Phang Nga, explore the dive sites around Ko Tao, party on Phuket or relax on one of Ko Samui's idyllic beaches, this guide will lead you straight to the region's best attractions. It offers a thorough coverage of Bangkok, Thailand's fascinating capital, the guide features an expert breakdown of the country's amazing diving and snorkelling sites. You'll find up-to-date reviews on all the hottest places to stay from ultra-chic hotels to eco-minded accommodation and local Thai homestays, as well as recommendations of Thailand's best nightlife, shopping and restaurants for all budgets. Explore all the corners of Thailand's beaches and islands with superb, full-colour maps and pictures, and authoritative background on everything from Buddhism and Thailand's history and environment to the best books on the country and practical language tips. Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to Thailand's Beaches & Islands. Now available in ePub format.
Wadi Rum is tucked away in the south of Jordan, close to the Red Sea port of Aqaba, remote and splendid in both landscape and culture, yet only a five-hour flight and a short onward journey from Europe.It was brought to the world's attention by Lawrence of Arabia, and the subsequent film of that name was responsible for the author's visit with a team of climbing friends in 1984. Thus began the exploration of Wadi Rum for rock climbing and trekking, with the approval and encouragement of the local Bedouin who have lived and climbed in this desert and mountain region for generations.The first edition of this guide published in 1987 contained about 140 routes. Since then the number of climbs has doubled. Here are detailed descriptions and 'topos' of all the known routes to date, from short walks, camel treks and 4-WD journeys through to sports climbs and major 'big walls' of the highest technical difficulty.Additionally the author gives information on sites of antiquity, flora and fauna and life with the Bedouin.
With over three thousand kilometres of tropical coastline, Thailand boasts an abundance of perfect white-sand beaches. The Rough Guide to Thailand's Beaches and Islands is the ultimate travel guide to Thailand's greatest natural attractions, and will help you uncover the very best that's on offer - whether you want to party under a full moon or find your own desert-island idyll. Rough Guides' knowledgeable authors have carried out extensive research to provide you with insider reviews of the very best places to stay, eat and drink - no matter what your budget - with expert information on venturing beyond the beaches and getting around Thailand. Boasting full coverage of Bangkok and an indispensible guide to underwater Thailand, The Rough Guide to Thailand's Beaches and Islands will help you get the most out of your visit to this fascinating country.