Goto Chockstone Home

  Guide
  Gallery
  Tech Tips
  Articles
  Reviews
  Dictionary
  Links
  Forum
  Search
  About

      Sponsored By
      ROCK
   HARDWARE

  Shop
Chockstone Photography
Australian Landscape Photography by Michael Boniwell
Australian Landscape Prints





Chockstone Forum - General Discussion

General Climbing Discussion

Author
To belay or not to belay
PrincessFingers
14-Apr-2005
8:59:34 AM
I was talking to a friend who went climbing at KP (in Brisbane) last night. She had a wee accident whereby, finishing her climb and coming down (as the climb was top rope) the belayer let the rope slip and she fell approx 2 metres hitting her shin against the rock, cutting herself and badly bruising her lower leg.

Later the belayer was talking to my mate, turned around and quote, “It’s happened to me, so don’t worry about it too much”.

My argument is, I know that we’re all not too keen on being belay bunnies, THOUGH, looking at it from the safety aspect, I strongly believe, when belaying, you need to remember that you literally have someone else’s life in your hands.

IdratherbeclimbingM9
14-Apr-2005
12:04:55 PM
>you literally have someone else’s life in your hands.

True.

Anyone who does not pay attention to the task while belaying is bad news.

Find another belayer, and advise others to avoid this one.

LittleMac
14-Apr-2005
12:31:13 PM
All to true M8, climbing is all about trust (trust your gear, trust your feet, etc) not being able to trust your partner denegrates the experience for all.

“It is unusual to entrust our wellbeing to others, yet in climbing this happens quite often, especially when climbing a climb at the limit of your ability, when a fall is almost expected. Friendships formed through such trust and shared experiences aren’t influenced by social status, nationality, gender or other preference. Friendships develop because each partner is willing to give and support, not blindly but with judgement.” (Martin, 1995)

Just a short quote borrowed from Peter Martin, I think it highlights the imporatance of trust in a climbing relationship. The quote apeared in a paper I prepared titiled "The Value of the Climbing Experience"

Cheers,

LittleMac

Richard
14-Apr-2005
1:05:03 PM
People who are unsafe don't dress in bright orange t-shirts so you can recognise them, but they are warning signs like this story shows. Whilst it may be uncharacteristic for them , if they have a care-free attitude, seem to be a bit sloppy, or often pre-occupied with the something else, take note.

I have climbed with quite a few poeple, but there are some people I do avoid, and have made a conscience decision that I don't like aspects of their rope handling / skills which I think are unsafe. They may never actually have an accident, but you have to play perceantages. As someone said "luck is where opportunity meets preparation".The same goes in reverse. When you team up with someone, by chance sometimes, you should still make a conscience decisons that your OK climbing with them. You can say no.

IdratherbeclimbingM9
15-Apr-2005
8:50:21 PM
Richard said
>You can say no.
... and I have done so fairly often!
In fact this may have been the beginning of my preference to solo!!

There are 5 messages in this topic.

 

Home | Guide | Gallery | Tech Tips | Articles | Reviews | Dictionary | Forum | Links | About | Search
Chockstone Photography | Landscape Photography Australia | Australian Landscape Photography | Landscape Photos Australia

Please read the full disclaimer before using any information contained on these pages.



Australian Panoramic | Australian Coast | Australian Mountains | Australian Countryside | Australian Waterfalls | Australian Lakes | Australian Cities | Australian Macro | Australian Wildlife
Landscape Photo | Landscape Photography | Landscape Photography Australia | Fine Art Photography | Wilderness Photography | Nature Photo | Australian Landscape Photo | Stock Photography Australia | Landscape Photos | Panoramic Photos | Panoramic Photography Australia | Australian Landscape Photography | High Country Mountain Huts | Mothers Day Gifts | Gifts for Mothers Day | Mothers Day Gift Ideas | Ideas for Mothers Day | Wedding Gift Ideas | Christmas Gift Ideas | Fathers Day Gifts | Gifts for Fathers Day | Fathers Day Gift Ideas | Ideas for Fathers Day | Landscape Prints | Landscape Poster | Limited Edition Prints | Panoramic Photo | Buy Posters | Poster Prints