So there was a story on the news about some climbers falling just north of where I live and it’s made me think about the steps I take for safety. The worst time for accidents is after you start becoming comfortable with your equiptment and climbing. It’s way to easy to get complacent and think that a quick spot check will work. You get into a routine and unless you catch yourself you go into cruise control.
I know that I struggle with making sure to check and recheck my equipment, but you need to make sure that your routine includes this. Some people do it differently, but I like to check my equipment before I climb, instead of right after I climb. It’s honestly best if you check them both times. The more you check, the more likely you are to find something you missed, but it’s difficult to do. After a good climbing you’re usually exhausted, all you want to do is pack up your stuff, tell everyone about your awesome dyno, and reminisce about the highlights and lowlights of the climb. The flip side of that is when you starting to set up for your run you can get caught up in the moment and focus on what you’re about to do. Either way it’s really easy to forget to inspect your rope, harness, carabiners, cams, and belay devices. Continue reading “Check and Recheck”
Bivy Life 