#dry tool

There's been a lot of chatter recently about Dry Tooling and it's impact on Climbing. Basical...

Maybe it's just because I finished writing a paper on this exact topic…BUT IT'S SO PERFECT.

You probably don't need to be convinced to wear a helmet, but just in case.... Marc Beverly was near the end of a dry-tooling route at the Hall of Justice, outside of Ouray, Colorado, when a hold broke. In the resulting 20-foot fall, Marc let go of an ice tool. When the belayer stopped his plunge, the falling ice tool smacked Marc in the head. "I thought it was a rock, but my helmet was pulling in a strange direction," he said. "I put my hand up and found the my ice axe was stuck into it. I've never seen this happen, but here it is. I never felt the pick, even though it went through and through, a testament to Petzl helmets and why to wear one all the time. They've saved my noggin more than once."

Said enough.

Drytooling

GETTING STARTED

Anyone interested in drytooling must be certified by the Co-op.

Drytool Nights are the best times to get certified otherwise contact us at [email protected] or 915.247.6622 to set up an appointment..

GENERAL INFO

Drytooling is permitted during off peak hours.

Be respectful of other climbers and take your turn. If you have to ask yourself if it’s too crowded to drytool, it’s too crowded.

Drytoolers are responsible for any damages caused by axes.

RULES FOR THE TOOLS

Drytool ONLY on designated drytool holds; nothing else, including T-nut holes.

Use the designated drytooling pad (blue vinyl covered) so as not to puncture the gym pads or the floor.

DO NOT place or hook tools on the topout rails or topout surfaces.

Drytool routes don’t topout. They either return or traverse to the ground.

Just like outside, holds can break and tools can slip. Stay under control and be ready for the unexpected.

No crampons or fruit boots, only rock climbing shoes are permitted.

DO NOT spot a drytooler, you are more likely to be impaled than they are.

Helmets and eyewear are not required but are recommended.

Be respectful of other climbers and take your turn. If you have to ask yourself if it’s too crowded to drytool, it’s too crowded.

DRYTOOL NIGHTS

Anyone interested in drytooling can get certified during these nights.

Regular Drytool Nights will be listed on the Events page or the Co-op Calendar. Additional nights can be scheduled by emailing [email protected]

Drytool Nights are from 5:30-9:30 pm.

Be respectful of other climbers and take your turn. If you have to ask yourself if it’s too crowded to drytool, it’s too crowded.

ROUTE SETTING

Anyone interested in route setting must be certified by the Co-op.

Clearly label drytool holds "DRYTOOL ONLY" with thick, obvious tape.

Please contact us at [email protected] or 915.247.6622 to get certified.