Keretapi 7a+, Bukit Keteri

Some routes have the crux that you know the beta, but you know you can't do it because you're not strong enough or don't have enough endurance for it.

But Keretapi, I really don't know how to do the crux, its not about endurance, definitely not about power, but I do question my finger strength, but in the end its not even that, its just figuring out how to hold the holds the most efficient way, balancing, and trusting your foot.

But the most important part I think for me, is who's down there supporting me.

I've starting to realize that, I don't do well if there's a lot of people down there, watching me and throwing all sorts of beta at me. When I thrive, is when there's ONE person, focusing on me, helping me figure out the beta, figuring out what I might've done wrong, pushing me when I'm on the edge of giving up and praising me when I succeed. 

Since I don't have a specific climbing partner, its hard for me to ask someone to spend a chunk of their time on me working on a project. Especially the one I have problem on, cos they might have their projects too.

But at the time, Berg was there and he's trying his best to help me. 

He was suggesting this and that, whatever he can think of he will shout it out, trying to lay out all the possibilities that I can try. 

Of course not all can be applied up there, but his suggestions made my mind work actively and made me able to see things that I missed before.

And all of the sudden, I thought of holding a hold in a different way, breathe, and carefully execute all the sequence. 

And I finally figure out the crux.

And then when I wanted to come down, he asked me to stay and try the crux move again, and again. After my moves were solid, he asked me to brush all the holds that matters before lowering down. 

I rested for a while, try again, and I send it.

 

I remembered when he helped me specifically on my first project, Nov 61, when I was clueless on what projecting was, and on Chess, when I unnecessarily put too much pressure on myself. And I remember countless of time he helped others as well. He just have that supportive vibe from him, rock climbing wise. Maybe cos he's been climbing for 10 years, and he knows what it takes, what it made you, how it challenges you.

So that's my story on Keretapi, though I would love myself to be independent, I do believe that people need support, specific support, at times, to move forward. 

Really appreciate all the dedicated belayers who spend their time and put an effort to help fellow climbers overcome their struggles.

But for this particular post, Thank you Berg!