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Chockstone Forum - General Discussion

General Climbing Discussion

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found gear 24-Nov-2005 At 6:07:08 PM sticky

Message

On 24/11/2005 Bob Saki wrote:
>what's the general code of ethics if you find gear either on climbs, around
>the crag general area or at a campsite? is it up to the individual?
>if another climber recognises his/her gear on your rack what does one
>do?
>

My personal booty code of ethics:

1. If you find gear actually on a route - ie, the climber has bailed from the gear, or the second couldn't clean the gear, then it's booty. It's yours. (They weren't good enough to keep it.) You have a right to it, but you are encouraged to be nice and find the owner if you suspect they may be around. They would owe you some beer for its return.

2. If the gear is left on an obvious project - eg, five draws hanging on the route, you can't claim booty. Taking that gear is pond-dweller stuff, and you will die.

3. If you find gear left on a route after an accident, it is not booty. See Rule 2.

4. If you find gear at the top or bottom of a route, or at the campsite, then it's just been misplaced or forgotten. You should make reasonable attempts to return the gear to the owner [edit - I might also give it to the cops if there were any nearby] (they would owe you beer). If you genuinely can't, then it's yours until they recognise it on your rack. Then you should give it back to them in return for lots of beer. (If you know the owner is still at the campsite, and you take it- you are a thief. See Rule 2.)

Disclosure: I left a cam at the top of a route last month and Patto returned it to me (super effort, that) Thanks again Patto.
edit: I have never scored booty gear!