I don’t post every climbing trip here because sometimes I focus too much on climbing itself and forgot to take pictures. Or I don’t want to post the same locations three times in a row. Or I was just too busy(lazy) to post. I actually climb every week, and mostly sport climbing. I’ve always wanted to go to Indian Creek but I know I can only follow since I have no crack climbing skills. It was raining quite often in October and finally found friends to climb with last week.
Sean got to Creek two months ago and he’s addicted to it.
The first day I was literally pulled up every route like I expected. I had been to Vedauwoo before and my friend Ben nicely and patiently taught me a few techniques. Crack climbing technique is still different based on the size of crack.
Bring your TC pro (La Sportiva climbing shoes) and tons of tape to the Creek!
At Indian Creek it’s rare to see anything below 5.10. My friend Sean put up some 5.8, 5.9 for me to practice and I still struggled big time. But after time, my body gradually learned. I thought the next day I probably will struggle more because I’ll be sore. But I actually did better. Same thing on the third day, and got even better on the fourth day.
I also unexpectedly met Art Center alumni, Kelly Halpin, at the creek.
3 years ago, I reached out to her for my snowboarding project and have been following her ig since then. I've been hugely inspired by her - she's a trail runner sponsored by La Sportiva and all sorts of outdoor brands; climbers, snowboarders, and illustrator. She's also the artist who did the latest creek guidebook cover. Not many people from my school are that active (stress, caffeine and maybe tobacco are everyone’s best friends) . It's really rare to see someone thrive in outdoor space. Watching her cruising up a crack route is so inspiring. One day I’ll be cruising too right?
Scarface 11b
Meagan gears up for Cave route 10d
I didn’t know I’ll get addicted to crack climbing. In the middle of the night I woke up (bc the night was too long) and thought I could lead that 5.9. Then I did it! I freaked out at the thinner part and took on my gears but I’m really stoked I finished it. Thanks my friends put up some 11s and even 12s that I had a chance to try how hard it was for higher grade routes. I honestly feel I’ll lead finger crack 11s earlier than off-width 5.9….
I’m pretty sure I’ll go back soon and will have another post about Indian Creek again, again and again.