Dr. Michael Thomas has worked as a neurosurgeon for nearly 20 years, seeing patients with brain or spine injuries at his office in Yakima, Washington, since 2010. When he is not working with his patients, neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Thomas enjoys outdoor activities, such as rock climbing
For several decades, rock climbers have followed a difficulty scale designed by the Sierra Club known as the Yosemite Decimal Rating System. The scale ranges from Class 1 through Class 5, with Class 1 representing a simple walk along a defined pathway and Class 5 being defined as the first level necessitating technical rock climbing ability. Class 5 establishes a secondary rating system, with a 5.0-to-5.4 grade describing a steep section of rock featuring a number of solid holds.
A trail with a 5.5-to-5.7 rating should feature good holds as well, though the path will begin to increase in angle. No longer considered a steep ramp, any path rated 5.8 or better is a vertical climb. Finally, a 5.9-climb will feature some overhangs and considerably smaller holds, though an amateur climber can still handle themselves after a relatively short training period.
Beyond 5.10, the rating system further branches off to include grades like 5.13 b or 5.14 a. Anything above a 5.10 is considered very difficult and potentially dangerous for a casual climber. Paths rated 5.11 or higher should be attempted only by highly skilled athletes.
For several decades, rock climbers have followed a difficulty scale designed by the Sierra Club known as the Yosemite Decimal Rating System. The scale ranges from Class 1 through Class 5, with Class 1 representing a simple walk along a defined pathway and Class 5 being defined as the first level necessitating technical rock climbing ability. Class 5 establishes a secondary rating system, with a 5.0-to-5.4 grade describing a steep section of rock featuring a number of solid holds.
A trail with a 5.5-to-5.7 rating should feature good holds as well, though the path will begin to increase in angle. No longer considered a steep ramp, any path rated 5.8 or better is a vertical climb. Finally, a 5.9-climb will feature some overhangs and considerably smaller holds, though an amateur climber can still handle themselves after a relatively short training period.
Beyond 5.10, the rating system further branches off to include grades like 5.13 b or 5.14 a. Anything above a 5.10 is considered very difficult and potentially dangerous for a casual climber. Paths rated 5.11 or higher should be attempted only by highly skilled athletes.