As the warm weather approaches, and we take our recreation activities outside, you may be interested in trying your hand at a new hobby, like sport climbing. Between the breathtaking landscapes and the physical exercise, there’s a lot to love about this activity. Even still, there are some important safety precautions that you should be aware of before you head out into the crags, no matter your level of experience with the sport.
Familiarize yourself with the gear
Overwhelmingly, rock climbing accidents are caused by human error rather than gear failure. While this may sound intimidating, the good news is that these types of accidents are largely preventable and within our control. So if you’ve been frequenting a climbing gym or going out with friends, you may not be aware of some of the specific techniques that are being done for you. You may have trouble setting up some of these safety techniques if you were to go out on your own.
There are several gear items that are frequently utilized when sport climbing like harnesses, helmets, ropes, clips, and belay devices, but simply having these items isn’t enough to keep you safe. Knowing how to belay, tie a number of knots, properly clip draws, and build a top-rope anchor on your own are all crucial parts of sport climbing. When in doubt, always refer to the local guidebooks for information specific to the area, and what type of equipment and gear you’ll need.
Be aware of weather conditions
Of course, there can always be sudden changes in the weather patterns and a storm can seemingly roll in out of nowhere, especially in the mountains. However, you should always check the weather in the area before you head out for the day, as precipitation can make the rocks slippery and dangerous, and high levels of wind are not conducive to sport climbing.
Climb within your skill level
Above all, by knowing your skill level with sport climbing and paying attention to the difficulty of certain courses, you can ensure that you’re not getting yourself into an overly dangerous situation. While it can be fun to push yourself and put your technical skills to the test, you should be aware of your physical abilities and try new routes with a group of experienced climbers whenever possible.
In summary, scraped knees and elbows and minor bruises will always be a part of sport climbing, though you can help avoid more major injuries by considering the above safety precautions. While sport climbing is inherently risky, and you can’t eliminate all dangers associated with this activity, there are steps you can take to ensure that you are not unintentionally putting yourself at higher levels of risk.
—
Bailey Schramm is a writer from Happy Writers, Co.
