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Soloing - A question of ethics? 8-Nov-2006 At 2:30:16 PM Ronny

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This reasoning sort of bugs me. It is not solely the potential outcome that determines how 'risky' something is - but also the chance that that outcome will come about.

If I'm soloing an easy route the consequences should I fall are (almost) certain death, but the chance of falling is very, very small. So overall the chance of death is not that great.

If I'm roped climbing the chance of death if I fall is present but not great. The chance of injury in the case of a fall is greater. But the chance of a fall is very high (I fall off most times I go climbing). So once again: chance of death not that great.

So it is *not* the case that soloing is necessarily more risky. It does *not* mean that people who solo are prepared to accept more risks, which means that they are *not* necessarily brave or stupid. (of course some might be...)

There is a particular level of risk that I am prepared to accept when climbing in order to receive the percieved benefits of undertaking the activity - so on harder stuff (where I'm more likely to fall) I'll place more gear, on moderate stuff I tend to run it out more, and on solid easy routes I might solo.

Same goes for helmets.

Of course soloing with a rock in your pocket above someone else is a whole different story...