7/8/97

Explorer Post 612

REI Pinnacle Climbing

Josh Cadd on 5.11a

Location: REI Seattle store Seattle Washington.

Weather: Rain (we were indoors this time :)

What:

REI Pinnacle - at 65' (21m) it is the tallest free standing climbing structure in the world. Weighing 110 tons, and has over 1000 modular climbing holds. It is the first indoor climbing structure to use thin-shell concrete technology to simulate real rock. See the surface in this picture. We were having too much fun to notice the programmed theatrical lighting that simulates the path of the sun.

Post 612's evaluation of REI Pinnacle:

Challenging (we got a real workout in 2 hours); tons of fun for all levels of climbers; the thin-shell concrete and the pocket holds really help you forget that this structure was not made by The Creator who formed this great country. Staff was excellent; courteous, helpful, cheerful, (sounds like they are scouts - we forgot to ask if they were). In a word - Superb. When can we come back!

The Climbers: Josh Cadd, Mike Stevens, Brad Krumperman, Taylor Daynes, John Overbaugh, Fred Kesler

The Belayers: The friendly and experienced REI pinnacle staff

Now for some fun shots of the climb!

Scouts in front of REI | Josh warms up | Brads first climb | Taylor warms up | John warms up | Fred warms up | Josh starts 5.11a | Josh below overhang | Taylor from perch | Taylor in style | John gets ready for Crux | Taylor goes past Crux | View from top of Pinnacle down | Taylor Inverted on 5.11a | Friendly Staff | Taylor topout animation | Inside the REI store