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General Climbing Discussion

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Lead belaying proficiency 15-Jan-2004 At 3:57:03 PM Spanky

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Hi everyone!

I'm interested in people's opinions on gym lead belaying proficiency.... recently at Vic Ranges I was told that there is no lead belaying proficiency available, only a lead climbing proficiency which includes lead belaying. I found this strange since I am quite proficient at belaying my climbing partner outdoors but since I have no desire to lead climb myself at this stage I am apparently unable to belay my climbing partner on lead climbs at VR. I was told that it was related to insurance and that their records system doesn't separate lead belaying from lead climbing proficiency. I was told, however, that for the handy price of $35 I could participate in a one-evening lead climbing proficiency course at VR. I have no wish to hand over such a sum when all I want at this stage is to belay, and I believe there is a lot for me to learn through being on the anchored end of the rope. What is the situation at other gyms? I wouldn't like to see other people handing over $35 for a lead climbing proficiency course when all they want to do is belay... I think the VR policy is an unfortunate and thinly disguised piece of marketing and that it would take very little effort to distinguish on their records who can lead climb and who can belay.

Cheers