– Christian tells Lofoten.com that on 22. February he climbed with Anne Guro Dahle, also from Harstad, and 25. February together with Swedish Anna Lovehed, who is studying photography at Kabelvåg Folkehøgskole. Anna tells Lofoten.com that this was the first time she had climbed on ice, and it was a real treat.
Rennarelva at Holdøy in Hadsel Municipality
The climb took place in Rennarelva, just east of the entrance to the underwater tunnel at Sløverfjorden, close to the village of Holdøy, which is landlocked with Austvågøy. The ice is conspicuous from the road, with a short approach and good conditions. The climb itself took place with 3 rope lengths to the top, and abseiling down.
Facts about ice climbing:
Ice climbing is a branch of the sport of climbing and involves climbing on structures made of ice, such as frozen waterfalls. The best ice is that which has been formed over a long period of time, such as when water has slowly seeped out of the terrain over a rock face. Ice climbing is considered more dangerous than rock climbing as ice structures are less secure than rock. There’s also the risk of being injured by ice dislodged by climbers higher up.
Equipment:
Ice climbing is carried out with crampons and ice axes specially adapted for ice climbing. The crampons have powerful spikes that are pointed forward and slightly downwards. These are kicked into the ice. At the same time, the ice axes cut into the ice. Ice screws and other ordinary climbing equipment such as ropes, carabiners etc. are used for securing.
Photo: Christian Dramsdahl and Anna Lovehed / Text: Geir Rishaug – Lofoten.com
