Practice Area
This mini wall will make you a safer sport climber. Gear was set here to encourage practice and rehearsal lead climbing, rappelling (abseiling), and anchor building skills on the ground before leaving terra firma to climb at height.
This area is somewhat unique among rock climbing crags, although the idea of ground level anchors at outdoor climbing crags is beginning to catch on. The main goal is to reduce avoidable accidents through practice, increasing outdoor gear proficiency for any level of climber.
Installed climbing anchors
There are currently three anchors in the practice area, with more to be installed soon in forthcoming fundraising drives and through volunteer efforts.
Triple Bolt (each hanger with quick-link)
Furthest left on the wall, this anchor offers anchors to be built in at least three different orientations by using combination of only two, or all three hangers. Different rappel orientations are also possible using the quick links to demonstrate the effects of anchor orientation on rope twist.
Rappel Ring Anchor
A new standard found across North America, and across the world, this is an important style of anchor to recognize and be familiar with its use. This anchor offers a slightly different way to think about a rappel setup, especially concerning redundancy.
Double Chain Rappel Station
Furthest right, this anchor is for practicing rappels and descents after finishing a route. Possibly the most used anchor currently available at the Glen Lake Crag practice area, this station is positioned over a low block to simulate a rappel without the full height of a 20+ meter climb below. A much safer way to rehearse and refresh skills after time away from climbing when skills have become rusty.
Additional Notes
While the idea is catching on, comparatively few North American climbing areas currently have practice anchors at ground level. Our hope is to inspire more 'easy/novice friendly' crags to develop resources like this one.
