After sheltering in place for about a month and a half, some restrictions on what we can do have slowly started to lift. On May 1st, the governor of California, Gavin Newsom, released this list of acceptable activities:

  • Athletics
  • Badminton (singles)
  • Throwing a baseball/softball
  • BMX biking
  • Canoeing (singles)
  • Crabbing
  • Cycling
  • Exploring rock pools
  • Gardening (not in groups)
  • Golfing (singles, with carts)
  • Hiking (trails/ paths allowing distancing)
  • Horse riding (singles)
  • Jogging and running
  • Kite boarding and kitesurfing
  • Meditation
  • Outdoor photography
  • Picnics (with your household members only)
  • Quad biking
  • Rock climbing
  • Roller skating and rollerblading
  • Rowing (singles)
  • Scootering (not in groups)
  • Skateboarding (not in groups)
  • Soft martial arts – tai chi, chi kung (not in groups)
  • Surfing
  • Tennis and table tennis (singles)
  • Throwing a football, kicking a soccer ball (not in groups)
  • Trail running
  • Trampolining
  • Tree climbing
  • Volleyball (singles)
  • Walk the dog
  • Wash the car
  • Watch the sunrise or sunset
  • Yoga

Being such huge outdoor enthusiasts here at Granite Chief, we were very excited to slowly start getting back outside and doing some of these activities while still practicing safe social distancing of course. One thing we were very happy to see on the list was rock climbing! With snow quickly melting due to warmer temperatures, spring is definitely in the air! Although climbing is now considered an acceptable outdoor activity, it is still very important we go about it in a responsible manner. Here are a couple ways we have been practicing safe socially distant climbing:

1.) Keep your group small! We all know it is a ton of fun to go climbing with a big group of friends but it is still very important we keep our social circles small. Pick a dedicated climbing/training partner and stick with them!

2.) Don't wait in line or close by other parties to climb. We all know everyone wants to get on the classics up on Donner summit but it is important that we all keep our distance between groups. If you see someone on your intended goal then try and switch it up. There are tons of different climbs in the Tahoe area so even though you really want to get on that one climb, now may not be the time. Try something new and maybe you will be pleasantly surprised!

3.) Limit your risk. Sometimes climbing can require us to enter a risky lead where a big fall could result in serious injury. During these tough times in which our hospitals are already under a lot of stress, now may not be the time to go for it. The climb will still be there one or two years from now and it can wait for your bold send! For now lets all just focus on enjoying being outside and climbing things that are safe and well within our abilities.

4.) Check out some less popular/more obscure areas! Now is a great time to go for that extra long approach and go check out a new area that you have never been to! Try and avoid the crowds and distance yourself in a new area!

Overall, lets just be smart about getting outside and continue to do the best we can to flatten the curve. In other good news, we are also back to being open full-time so if you need some fresh climbing gear then come in and see us! You can also click on the pictures below to purchase them online from our store! Thanks for reading and happy climbing!

climbing shoes granite