1997 - The first design for rappelling is based on a paragliding harness. After testing simple rappells in the gym, Mark assists Brad on his first rappel on rock since his injury. Rappelling down the Smoke Bluffs proves to be slow and awkward but enjoyable nonetheless. The duct tape on the paragliding harness is obviously not enough protection and further changes are made. Brad is not satisfied with simply rappelling and after much discussion the team decides that climbing the Stawamus Chief as a quadriplegic will be the ultimate goal. In the beginning this seems almost impossible and it is estimated that it will take at least a week of constant effort for Brad to make it to the top. Brad's dad modifies boat winches, come-a-longs and other ratcheting devices. Although these provide the required mechanical advantage, they are far too slow and do not work with conventional climbing gear. With these setbacks, Brad decides to try the same system that Mark Wellman uses but with a static counter weight.

1998 - The Malamute is the first test to see if Brad can tolerate sleeping in a portaledge. The problem is getting there. From the highway, it takes at least 3 hours to piggy-back Brad to the top of the Malamute. After the awkward transition onto the rope, Brad is able to rappel to the ledges below. Then rigger Kelly Mortinson and the Cliffhanger crew set up the counter weight pulley system, and Brad spends several hours pulling. Even with assistance, Brad only gains a few inches per pull as he is dragged against the rock. The portaledge is quickly set up as night falls and his girlfriend, Maria Franco, is lowered to the portaledge against her will or better judgement. Kelly and crew leave for the night and Mark, Brad and Maria spend a long sleepless night hanging above Howe Sound. In the morning, after coffee, Brad climbs the rest of the way to the top and the long carry-out begins. The test proves that it is not practical or comfortable for Brad to use a portaledge and that a different system will need to be worked out to keep Brad away from the rock.

1999-2001 - Brad notices that he losing function in his right hand and the doctors find a cyst in his spinal cord. An operation is required. Brad, family and friends wait patiently for a scheduled date for his operation. The call comes while Brad is in the middle of computer science classes at Langara College. Everything—including climbing—is put on hold until Brad recovers.

As Brad slowly regains his strength, research and design continues on the splint and jumar system. Moldable plastics are used to transfer weight on to his wrists and forearms as quadriplegics have no hand strength or grip. This continues to be the crux of the research and development.