Trad Climbing Basics - VDiff Climbing Trad Climbing Basics - VDiff Climbing | Page 9

Cams Part 3: Flared Cracks A flared crack is one which becomes narrower or wider at one side. Cracks can be flared in any direction. Upward Flares The placement in this slightly upward- flared crack is very good. If the cam slips down slightly during a fall, it will remain securely in the crack. Warning When a cam is placed in an extremely upward-flaring crack, as shown below, it could easily 'walk' upwards. Learn more: www.vdiffclimbing.com This means that it will either wiggle out of position or be impossible to retrieve. This is caused by movements in the rope as you climb above . 21