First, lets clear up one myth: Girls are not that complicated. Climbing girls are even less complicated: We have one-track minds to, you guessed it, climbing. So now that you know what climbing girls think about, you no longer have to be confused by our intentions when we ask if you’re going climbing, invite you…
Author: Liz Haas
Why “Coffee. Tape. Climb.”?
You may have been wondering why I named this blog “Coffee. Tape. Climb.” The last word is self-explanatory, but the other two may appear a bit random. They are not. They are the added ingredients that allow one to climb longer, harder, and for many days in a row. The idea was originally born out…
Many Thanks for Climbing
First there’s the obvious: I am thankful I started climbing. I’m thankful that my friends brought me to our local gym a few times the summer I started college; I’m thankful the UNH climbing team doesn’t cut kids who project V0; I’m thankful to have met some of the right, and best, people to help foster my love…
Climbing in the Cold
It’s November, which means only the oak trees still have leaves, it gets dark at 4:30 p.m., and everyone gets excited about eating pumpkin pie with their relatives. It also means it’s cold, with air and rock temperatures routinely dipping into the 30s. Sure this supposedly makes crimps “sticky,” but it also makes my hands…
Dear Future Crag Puppy,
We are going to be great friends. You are going be an adorable, irresistible, soft, wiggly puppy. You will have the opportunity to join in on some lengthy approaches, non-climbing day hikes, mid-day naps, evening swims, and midnight snacks. We will have loads of fun, get super strong, and enjoy a life of adventure. By…
The Reverse Warm-Up (and Variations)
Some people really like to warm up for a day of sport climbing. My friend Erin is a big fan of starting the day on a nice easy 5.6-5.7 before hopping on her 5.11 project. But sometimes starting out too easy can have adverse effects. I have a tendency to get used to jugs. I wonder…
How (I Wish) I Sprained My Ankle
***Disclaimer: If any of the details or events of this tale appear true, it is purely by coincidence. None of the following occurred in part or in whole, though it would have been epic and would mean I’m 10 times above my current climbing ability level.*** It was pouring. Nothing new for autumn in New England, but it…
Climbers and Their Hands
For many things it’s an accomplishment to have your fingers bleed. If a pop-rock artist sings that he played his guitar, “’till my fingers bled,” he is seen as dedicated. If you hammer nails, rake leaves, or chop wood till your blisters bleed, you’re hardworking and should invest in better gloves. If you’re a small child,…
Snapshots of Some Climbing Friends
Erin is one of the few girls I climb with, and she’s awesome. She reminds me to eat, is encouraging and supportive even when I’m unnecessarily hangdogging, and is always down for a good Pawtuckaway night bouldering session. What makes Erin unique is her refusal to climb routes she’s not enjoying. If she’s not having fun,…
Belaying (as) a Small Female
Your average non-climber understands that ascending a cliff requires a certain amount of skill and expertise. This non-climber has little to no idea of the range of skill or what skills exactly that might entail, but (s)he gets that climbing involves some form of competence. However, not everyone appreciates the skill involved in lead belaying. Yes…
Avoiding Amusement-Park-esque Lines at the Crag
When I visit Six Flags, I expect to wait in line for hours to get my 67-second rollercoaster fix. In fact, most of the day is spent anticipating thrills while standing next to hundreds of other people doing the same thing. I will wait 57 minutes to ride the Griffon at Bush Gardens; I will not, however, sit at…
Romping in the Rain
Rain, rain go away. We have gear to take away. Sundown is the perfect weekend crag, with no crowds, routes that stay dry in the rain, and easy access off the Conway side of the Kancamagus highway. The classics start at 5.11c for sport routes, so you won’t find any community groups in matching helmets lined…
Coffee. Tape. Climb. 