Being able to train for ice or mixed climbing in the off season and during the season is key to maintain comfort on your tools and to gain strength. The Dry Tooling revolution has played a huge part in the increased performance in athletes and the more intense mixed lines being established today.

After seeing pictures and watching Gordon Mcarthur train on his master creation, he calls “The Great Arch”. I knew it was time to create and build something that was cheap, easy and wife approved. Yes Wife Approved is the big hurdle since whatever you build, more than likely your  wife,roommate or neighbors are going to have to see it everyday.

I wanted a wall that was easy to build and somewhat small. I also wanted to be able to change the angle very easily.

Here is list of what I needed

1-Mini traxion to easily adjust angle

3- 2x6x16 treated lumber

15- Cedar pickets that are used for fencing. I only used Cedar since it matched our deck and looks nice. I do not recommend it for durability. I will be changing mine out to a harder and thicker wood. You could double the pickets and this would be much stronger if you like that look.

2- Eye bolts

2- large washers for the eye bolts

2 -small washers for the eye bolts

3-4 Metal stakes

1- Cedar post 4x4x8

3/8 16inch long drill bit

1/2 inch drill bit

lots of size 9 2inch screws

30 or so 4inch long screws

 

Here is the basic construction of the wall. Notice the header, this is where you use the longer screws. Also use the longer screws for the middle supports of the wall to keep it from bowing. This middle support is somewhat of an overkill, but you have the extra wood and it does add to the stability of the wall long term.

 

I cut the pickets at 34 inches long this way you get two out of each picket. You can place them however far apart or close you want. Depending on how far apart you place them could change how many cedar pickets you need, but remember I do not advise the cedar pickets unless you double them up. Pictures shown above is what I placed in the top of the header board. This where you will anchor everything off of.

 

Eye bolts seen above are now ready. Notice how the eye bolts are placed not in middle, but closer to the sides of the wall.

 

I used a sawzall to cut these out of the bottom of the wall. This is where the metal stakes will be placed through for stability.

These keep the wall very stable.

 

These hanging tuna logs are an addition you can decide if you want or not. They were simple and easy. Out of the 4x4x8 cedar post I cut five 14 inch length tuna logs and you end up with shorter one if you want to have 6. I then took the long 16 inch drill bit and made a hole down the center of the log. I then drilled at angle about 1 1/2 inches deep on each side of the tuna log. I drilled one hole high on one side and low on the other. So you have four sides to the tuna log with varying heights. Once I completed my drilling I then fed the rope down the center and tied a knot on the other end. The top is a quick overhand knot with a carabiner. These are simple to move however you want on the wall.

 

My wall is anchored to a tree.  A rope on each side for directional force and center rope that is primarily used to lift the wall, but does help with stability. My anchor system is a bit of an overkill for most perhaps, but with 60mph Wyoming winds it needs every bit of support it can get.

Combine a wall and training sessions from the Alpine Training Center and you will crush it this season. Connie at the ATC writes all of my training from a far and each season I feel stronger and stronger.

If you have questions feel free to contact me.

Aaron Mulkey