Basic Rockcraft Author:Royal Robbins Royal robbins bears the dual reputation of being in the top flight of our rockclimbers and being the outstanding writer on the subject. He writes for most of the journals and serves as contributing editor for SUMMIT Magazine. His reputation as a rock expert is soundly based on any number of outstanding climbs, first at Tahquitz Rock, then thro... more »ughout the US and abroad. His climbs in Yosemite include the remarkable solo ascent of El Capitan. Royal is the founder of the famed Rockcraft School of Rock Climbing, located at Lover's Leap in the California Sierra.
This book covers the basic techniques of rockcraft. Starting with ropes and knots, it then covers other climbing gear; nuts, pitons, 'binners, bongs, etc. Belays are discussed in detail, then follows a most complete discussion of the various grips and holds. Excellent drawings by Sheridan Anderson illustrate each of these points and these are supplemented by many photos - all of which have been modeled by some of the other oustanding climbers of Yosemite, all close friends of Robbins.
While this book is labeled BASIC ROCKCRAFT it carries the reader through all of the techniques needed for most high angle climbs. While the student will be able to successfully climb many of the standard climbs, the cutoff point for 'basic' is the threshhold for leading of advanced ascents. Royal Robbins' text on advanced rockcraft is to follow this volume.« less