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General Climbing Discussion

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To fall or not to fall; that is the question. 29-May-2009 At 10:32:31 AM Sonic

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I figure I may as well say something seeming I really bought up the topic.

What I mean is much as the others have stated - once the fear of falling is diminished, you can concentrate solely on climbing. My first outdoor fall was a top rope pendulum straight into a boulder which resulted in scans of my pelvis, lower back and right femur and bruising to most of my rear. It sucked my confidence badly for a while. My first lead falls though were more comfortable and gave me more confidence (this is not to say I haven't had bad lead falls - I cheese-grated about 6m once) . Some even recommend 'fall training' but I think thats a bit OTT.

Really at the end of the day it helps in two ways to experience it;
1) You learn that FALLING IS INEVITABLE. Even on a grade 5 you can still pitch off.
2) You learn its not so bad, so your overall commitment and headspace is much improved.