Aid Climbing: 4. Bounce Testing
Aid Climbing & Big Walls
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2m 33s
In this video we explore the bounce test. Bounce testing is key to building a sequence of solid gear placements. After you've placed your piece, you’ll want to perform the bounce test to make sure the piece is solid, before moving completely onto that piece.
1. Clip your aider (daisy chain and ladder) to the upper piece.
2. Start with a gentle tug on the upper aider.
Important: You’ll want to be positioned low on the current piece so that if the upper piece does blow, you won’t fall and shock load you daisy chain.
3. Place one foot in the upper aider and lightly bounce test with your leg. Watch the upper piece for any signs of movement. Be mindful not to position your face directly beneath or in front of the next piece of gear, to prevent injury in case it does blow.
4. If you’re confident so far, start to transition more of your body weight onto the next piece and give it a full bounce test with your full body weight, which is the most pressure you can apply.
5. If the piece inspires confidence after your full bounce test, climb up your aider, retrieve the second aider from your previous piece, and climb on!
We hope you found this video helpful. Feel free to comment below with questions or thoughts!
Please remember, climbing is inherently dangerous. Climb at your own risk.
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