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General Climbing Discussion

Topic Date User

Helmets are now compulsory 25-Jan-2004 At 1:25:02 PM Rock Weasel

Message

The fact that this discussion is even taking place demonstrates that there are a significant number of climbers out there who still don't get it. Choosing not to wear a helmet when climbing is not just a personal choice, it is the wrong choice. It is uncontestable that helmets save lives and greatly diminish the severity of any injuries sustained. There are also times where a helmet makes no difference at all to the outcome of an accident. But I wear one whenever I am climbing, belaying or rapping because I can never be absolutely sure that I will not fall or that something will not fall on me, regardless of the cliff, the presence of other climbers, etc. Climbers have survived with severe injuries to their bodies, but once you suffer trauma to the head, you are proper f---ed. All these pathetic excuses ('it's my choice', 'it interferes with my climbing', etc.) do not change the fact that helmets continue to save lives. If climbers persist with their intransigence, perhaps legislation would be an appropriate way of enforcing the wearing of helmets.