Rock Climbing Accidents
Rock climbing accidents ar usually caused by carelessness and inexperience. In my earlier post I talked about the importance of having a climbing partner and why it is not safe to climb alone. There is no route that is worth your health or you life, and gravity definitely deserves your respect. It has been here a lot longer that you and I. So always climb with a partner. On that note I’d like to discuss how to climb safely inside and outside.
Inside
Just because you have 14″ of padding under you does not mean you are invulnerable. I personally have seen more rock climbing accidents inside a gym than I have outside. How is that? It’s simple. CARELESSNESS! Don’t forsake what you know about rock climbing safety just because you feel safer inside a climbing gym. When top roping, always use the proper safety ropes and harness and have a clear understanding of belaying procedures and language. When bouldering, always use a bouldering crash pad and make sure you have a partner to spot you.
Outside
When rock climbing outside, all should understand that while you can get hurt in a gym if you fall, falling outside raises your chances a good deal. So be smart. You can challenge yourself to new levels and even try problems you know are too difficult for you to handle while in the climbing gym, but leave that in the gym. When you’re outside climbing on real rock and over top of hard ground, climb routes within your level of experience. Also real rock is not maintained the way a rock gym is, and after many many years rock hold can break off. So never ever ever climb high without rope and harness. And even when not climbing high make sure to use crash pads. Notice I said, “crash pads” plural. If you’re climbing outside don’t leave anything to chance. To prevent rock climbing accidents you and each of your climbing partners should have a crash pad with them and lay them out like one huge padded floor. Remember it’s better safe than sorry and all of you should have a crash pad anyway.