In this episode, we sit down with Jarod, a long-time AAC member, to discuss a crazy accident he had at his home crag in Missouri, and how he utilized the AACâs rescue benefit to cover the cost of his medical expenses. If youâve been wondering if the AACâs rescue benefit is for you, Jarodâs story helps explain how it works. We dive into the quirky concept of âgirdle traversesâ or mulitpitches that go sideways, and analyze his accidentâ the decisions he made, how traversing complicates gear placements, and the close calls he had. Funnily enough, Jarod also did a FA on that same wallâputting up Missouriâs potentially longest rock climb with Jeremy Collins, and this FA made it into the American Alpine Journal! We discuss the vision behind this 8-pitch traverse, what went into making it happen, the silliness of climbing, the unique belay tactics for traversing, and more!
https://americanalpineclub.org/news/2024/6/26/protect-first-ascents-ground-falls-and-the-aac-rescue-benefit-in-action
