Climbing ice in Tele Boots?

Submitted by ExtraBlue on Wed, 12/13/2006 - 03:39
I have a friend whose willing to get out on ice, but not to buy crampon compatible boots. He has his tele boots though and I know that you can get toe bails that fit them. My question is does the duck toe on the tele boot severly impede ice climbing? Anyone ever try this? Thanks Keese

I've done that. It's possible- its OK if those are the only boots your friend has to use and wants to check out climbing, but yes, the lip on the toe gets in the way, and its kind of a pain in the ass.

I started out climbing in leather tele boots because I could not afford real boots, I would not advise going this route especially with plastic tele boots. the biggest problem is that the front points end up being way too far out which increases the calf burn a lot!! I over came this by using "french " technique whenever possible. I don't think that would work with plastics. however I would suggest an outing to a lower angle climb like the Blue gully where perhaps your friend could get motivated to throw down for some real boots. a better option would just be to rent a pair at Barrel or NTLC I think its like ten bucks for the day. then you can freak them out properly on something challenging. good luck
Spray