Safety & Etiquette
Climbing is considered a life threatening sport. Please take all
necessary precautions .
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Always make sure you have permission to use someone's equipment. Climbing equipment is quite expensive and has a limited life. A completely full set of climbing gear can cost from R15 000 to R20 000 and up! Thank goodness you only need a few items to get started.
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Do not walk/stand on any rope, or get it in dirt, always keep it clean and on a ground sheet. Climbing ropes have a outer mantle (the bit you can see), and a inner core (the bit you never want to see). If dirt gets in the core it can start wearing the inner fibres thus weakening the rope, i.e. not good. If the rope looks excessively furry rather don't climb on it.
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When you belay do not ever play the fool. Always assume people want to be lowered slowly, if they want to go faster they will soon tell you so.
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Never drop people too fast on a rope as it melts the outer of the shell. Ropes are made of Nylon which melts at 170 Degrees, and friction generates heat quickly. On some ropes you will find evidence of this by hard crusty sections of the rope.
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Choose who you climb with carefully, they will have your life in their hands. This is even more important when you start leading routes.
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Don't let people push you into doing things you don't feel you are ready for. If you are happy top roping (very safe climbing, cant fall), keep top roping until you feel confident enough to lead. If it takes years, who cares, it's your life.
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The Climber always decides how they want to be belayed. Make sure the belayer knows before you start climbing.
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When belaying try to always keep your eyes on the climber, especially in the case of them leading a route.
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Always, always check your harness and knot and your climbing partners harness and belay device, and they should check yours.
Most of all be careful and have fun.
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All content © UND Mountain Club 2001