About fifteen members and friends of the Southern Arizona Grotto gathered at Rocks and Ropes on July 7 for two hours of vertical training and practice.  Some, like me, wanted to practice on-rope changeovers, and others got their first opportunity to test vertical climbing systems.  The grotto owns spare sets of vertical gear so that potential vertical cavers can test the systems before deciding what to purchase for their own use.

Chris Hudson took time to discuss the finer points of changeovers.  Changeovers are required whenever an individual traveling either up or down a rope needs to switch directions.  Accomplishing this safely requires practice, and it was nice to be able to learn this way.  While practicing a changeover from ascent to descent I failed to adequately lock off my rappel device.  This might have resulted in serious injury had it occurred in a cave, so the practice was well worth it.

In addition to learning and practicing rope work, several of us spent an hour just enjoying the climbing gym.  Though it doesn't represent what climbing in a cave is like (there's no mud on the handholds at Rocks and Ropes, for one) the practice was nevertheless very worthwhile. 

A big thanks to the staff at Rocks and Ropes.

Lincoln Wilson and I will be planning a Lemon Pit trip to follow up with additional vertical practice. Details will be posted.