OK, as the person who owns the gear Josie borrowed, I guess it's time for me to voice my side of the issue.
First, Josie's first post is misleading in that it implies that I'm upset about her falling on my gear. This is not entirely true as it oversimplifies the issue. While, I freely admit that I am a nOOb "tard" climber (thank you, Wes
), I consider myself smart enough to comprehend how gear works and why. So, yes, I know that trad gear is intended to be used and I know that gear can, does, and is intended to hold lead falls. The point that many of you seem to be missing, and the fundamental issue that upsets/disappoints me, is that
I feel as though trad gear is there for when you need it (i.e. you peel), not for when you just feel like taking falls (i.e. "Hey, I'm just gonna take a fall now -- whoopee!"). Why stress the gear unnecessarily? To me, this falls under the category of "abuse" rather than "use."
Josie's second post, seems to at least acknowledge my true concerns:
Josephine wrote:i think the concern was the intent - not that it happened. as in i MEANT to fall on the gear - not i accidentally came off and took a fall. I dunno - I'm still learning in this category, and now I know to ask more questions.
But I have yet to read a response that address the
intent of the fall and not just the
occurrence of one.
Second, while I'm glad Josie learned what it is like to fall on gear (lord knows I need to man up, grow a pair, and do the same), I just think that if one wants to fall intentionally, they should do it with their own gear. I think that's just a matter of respect and consideration for the well-being of the owner's gear. And, yes, Josie graciously offered to replace the gear but damage (which was unnoticeable) and compensation (which is not necessary or warranted) are, in this case, beside the point.
Third, I think this all just boils down to poor communication. One, if I were at Red Rocks with her, we wouldn't be having this discussion at all. Two, if Josie had informed me of her intent ahead of time, we could have discussed this issue, and our respective responsibilities and expectations. But that didn't happen, and, as I told her in my "Very Stern Reprimand," (her words, not mine) I blame
myself for that lack of communication. I don't feel as though she knew she should have told me, and at the same time I didn't think about telling her. Seeing as how I am ultimately responsible for my own gear, I should have told her what my feelings were.
Finally, it's quite possible that I simply overreacted to this situation, however I know some rather experienced climbers who tend to agree with my position. On the other hand, I, too, am still learning the ins-and-outs of climber etiquette and ethics and would appreciate your input. Are my feelings justified/understandable or am I just being silly? To be honest, I think it's probably a bit of both
.