GH017583 GoPro Frame

Mammoth Trip, 2022

June 30

Clark Canyon Rock Climb



Bill belays Stella, using a Grigri belay device for the first time. He has Jo back him up. Jo just holds the end of the rope.

"You were going to back me up," says Bill.

"This is the backup!" says Jo.

"Oh, right," say I, "it's a Grigri!" after a moment of doubt.

A cam in the Grigri should lock the device up as long as somebody is holding the end of the rope, and even if Bill has the release lever pulled, Jo can hold the rope at an angle that causes the rope to seize in the Grigri. -F.


Stella does slip on this attempt, and asks to be lowered. She'll have another go shortly. -F.