Mokuleia Crag Rock Climbing – August 7, 2011

Instead of doing a normal hiking adventure on Sunday, the Lost Trailblazers (Troy Takara, Dale Acoba, David Chatsuthiphan, Reanne Solomon, Jenelyn Castillo and myself, as well as guests Baron Yamamoto and Rosanna Ho) decided to revisit Mokuleia Crag, as it had been almost six months since all of us had climbed here together. That was also the day we were introduced to rock climbing using top-rope (as opposed to bouldering or lead climbing), a safer style of climbing which uses a rope looped through an anchor at the top of a rock face and connected to both the climber and belayer. Many of us wanted to see how much improvement we made since some of us have become regulars at the Volcanic Rock Gym in Waipio, and also have been climbing at Makapuu Crag as well.

Series photo of David Chatsuthiphan (UnrealHawaii.com) warming up on “Dr. Hook.”

Mokuleia Crag is one of two popular locations for rock climbing on Oahu, the other being Makapuu Crag. The Mokuleia Crag is located on the North Shore of Oahu, in the mountainous region above Camp Erdman.

The trailhead is on the Mauka (mountainous) side of the Farrington Highway and about a 20 minute walk.

Once at the top of the trail, there are 26 listed routes of various difficulty (Rated 5.8-5.13) to choose from…

An illustrative map of Mokuleia Crag drawn by Terry Kerby. Photo Courtesy of David Chatsuthiphan.

Most of the other climbers I have encountered at the crag seem to be knowledgeable, experienced and tackle the more difficult routes…

…which is actually good for us beginner level climbers (with the exception of David Chat), so we don’t have to wait for the same routes.

It was still entertaining to watch both male and female climbers tackle problems I could only hope to accomplish in my lifetime. But for today, I just had my mind set on having fun.

We chose two beginner problems that we could all complete, “Dr. Hook” and “Smoke Stack,” as we had 8 climbers and only an afternoon of climbing time.

David and Reanne Solomon set up the climbing rope and belayed for us throughout the day.

A belay device is like a pulley system which allows a “Belayer” to easily control how much slack the climber needs.

David ensuring the harness is secured on Jenelyn and tightening the “Figure 8” knot on Baron.

And then the rest of us watch the climber. I suggest resting your neck often, or lying on the ground to watch the climbers. By the end of the day you’ll be stiff. haha.

Me (left) and Rosie (right) on different parts of “Dr. Hook.”

Jenelyn and Baron near the top of “Dr. Hook,” roughly 70 feet above the ground.

The view looking down near the top (left). A Boddingtons toast upon top-out…

…and completion of the problem.

Reanne rappelling down after topping out.

The next problem was “Smoke Stack.” Most of us weren’t able to get it on our first try, until David and Reanne figured out how to get past the crux (most difficult portion of the climb) near the bottom.

After that, everyone hit it on their next attempt. Rosie near the middle (left) and Baron near the top of the route (right).

Me about to top out on “Smoke Stack” just before sunset.

All of us got to complete the two routes and were able to hike out just before sunset…

…and subsequent moonrise.

A few boddingtons at the end of fun-filled day.

Off to Aiea Bowl for more beers and to grind some Pulehu Steak, Oxtail Soup and Hamburger Steak!!!

Rock climbing can be extremely fun, but also can be extremely dangerous. If you aren’t an experience climber, make sure to climb with someone who is. Your experienced person should provide you with a secure anchor (often a combination of quick-draw webbing/carabiners attached to epoxied U-bolts in the rock), two harnesses (for climber and belayer), a belay device, a significant length of climbing rope (> 2x length of climb), rock climbing shoes, chalk/bag, and a whole bunch of knowledge about climbing and belaying. Stay safe and have fun climbing!!!

To view more posts on climbing CLICK HERE, or look at the “Climbing Photo Gallery”. To view this location on a Google Map also known as my “Adventure Map“, Click Here. To view other climbing adventures, either check out Makapuu Crag during the Day and Night, or Waimea Bouldering. For more adventures of the Lost Trailblazers, either look at my other blogposts and “Adventures with the Lost Trailblazers” photo gallery.