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Chockstone Forum - General Discussion

General Climbing Discussion

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Manufacturing 13-Aug-2004 At 11:56:09 AM Damietta

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I think I follow the logic Neil.

So, as with bolting, do you think that enhancing routes so that they can be free-climbed is OK as long as it is done tastefully and responsibly?

In reference to 'Lurking Fear' I guess that Schneider was only accelerating a physical process of scarring that would have occurred through time by many aid ascents.

But, where and how do you draw the line. Is it up to the collective judgement and wisdom of the climbing fraternity to judge what is acceptable in the realms of modifying the rock to facilitate free climbing ascents - through a process of trial and error?

It is more feasible to stand against the activity in question on principle - then you eliminate the fuzzy moral ground which no one could accurately define as far as I'm concerned. Otherwise I don't really see how a framework that permits drilling/chipping hold enhancement - perhaps a case by case basis that takes into account the individual and the climb concerned is plausible? - is workable.