Want to learn how to establish your own anchors? Need some help on climbing safely on your own? Berkeley Ironworks is offering a new clinic, Anchors 101 with Chris Ahlgren.
Chris learned to climb at a young age. His father, a Yosemite climber in the 70s, taught him how to build anchors from a large rack of pitons and 1” tubular webbing. Since his beginnings learning to climb with Chouinard biners and hand made etriers, Chris’s climbing continues to delve into the technical aspects of climbing. “I’ve always had a propensity for all things nerdy”, says Chris. “Building anchors is such a fun exercise in physics and engineering.”
The two hour anchor class will focus on inspecting safe anchors, knots, and the three standard anchor arrangements. Chris’s well-outlined curriculum will include a number of notes, references, and enough information to overload even the most ambitious climber.
Chris has climbed large mountain routes (like the East Face of Mount Whitney), solid trad routes (like Braille Book in Yosemite), and hard sport climbing (like Flying High Again at Big Chief). As well rounded climber, Chris is knowledgeable about all types of anchor building.
The course will provide plenty of knowledge to help build your own top rope anchor, help you establish solid single pitch anchors at the local crags, and teach you basic safety. Beginning August 17thfrom 6 to 8 p.m., Anchors 101 will be offered to members for $55 ($65 for non-members). For questions, inquire at the Berkeley Ironworks front desk.
