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Hazards of the Hazards

jrc

19-Jan-2019
7:11:24 AM

Bit of an adventure this Wednesday last (16/1/19) at Freycinet when Michael C (17) was trying P1 or Stud City on the hazards; placed a big camalot in the wide crack in the initial corner and moved up onto the juggy face towards a ledge. He was wondering whether to place another runner but decided it was too easy to bother however the last hold before the ledge broke and he came winging down!!

Overall fall was about 8m finishing about 1 1/2 m above the deck however he went head and back into a protruding rock. In spite of wearing a helmet he cut the back of his head later requiring 3 stitches. Blood everywhere though and back
Really sore. Did not black out.

We established nothing more serious than cut to head and back badly bruised but no other damage which was really lucky. Then followed a belayed walkout along the hazards main wall ledge and a trip to doctor; CT scan at Launceston where all was pronounced ok. Mike was keen to climb next day so -after buying a new helmet at Paddy’s Launceston- we did easy stuff at hillwood then can back to Coles Bay Thursday night. All now seems well.

One key learning is being a little more cautious in placing runners. The other is helmet wearing. The foam on the inside of Michaels petzl Elios was broken into 6 pieces. There is no doubt in my mind that Mr Petzl’s product was a lifesaver.

Have a safe time on the rocks all of you

PeterW

19-Jan-2019
10:52:43 AM

Wow! Glad to hear no (permanent) damage was done!

Back in the day I can remember any number of long runouts when the climbing got easy, although I also remember the occasional little voice wondering what would happen if I stuffed up. I guess this is one possible answer.

armstp

19-Jan-2019
1:38:01 PM

Sounds pretty scary John. Lucky he wasn't unconscious, it would be a serious position to get out of.

kieranl

20-Jan-2019
7:35:34 AM

Glad to hear that all ended up OK.

pedro.c

20-Jan-2019
3:00:58 PM

John. Very happy to hear Michael is OK. Thanks for the incident report. Have followed your lead and trained up Hamish (16) to climb trad. It's a special thing to swing lead with your offspring. Hope to see you both around a crag soon.

patto

21-Jan-2019
8:01:03 PM

Glad to hear you are ok.

Regarding the Elios. I've been really disappointed in its foam and level of protection. It breaks easily impact or no impact and doesn't have great side impact protection.

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