Ground Fall @ Drive-By

[dustonian]

Lee, you are way too positive and nice for this thread.

[Barnacle Ben]

This shit is surreal.

You guys should all find either a non-climber or someone who doesn't spend a ton of time on the internet, have them read this entire thread, and have them tell you what they think of it. You will then hopefully understand how fucking weird the stuff you type on the internet really is.

[climb2core]

I'll donate $50 bucks to the RRGCC if no one tries to catch something that might break their arms. I think we let emotions get in the way (so easy here). I feel we got what we needed out of the thread: an honest assessment from climber, belayer and experts in the field and we have a few ideas to think and hopefully act on.

Lol, you are a good guy! I was thinking the same thing....just imagine the scenario, even if he wins:

Joe shows up at Miguels, one arm in a sling for a dislocated shoulder. The other arm is in a cast for a fractured radius.

Climber X "Dude what happened to you?"
Joe "I made a diving belay catch, took one for the team"
Climber X "Wow, who did you catch"
Joe "Oh, I didn't actually catch a person, is was a 110 lbs. sack of sand"
Climber X "Why the hell would you do that"
Joe "It was a bet"
Climber X "Did you win?"
Joe "Yep, showed him, the bet was for a grand too"
Climber X "Sweet, what are you going with the cash?"
Joe "Oh, I didn't actually get to keep the money, I donated it to the RRGCC"

Lol, looks like a win/win bet for me...


Onefall, I do appreciate your efforts to end this pissing match. I am ok with following through or not... Either way, all it proves is Joe is an idiot, which was obviously not the point of this thread. I thought it was about learning from accidents to hopefully reduce future ones... and until Joe wanted to play the blame game, all of my comments were directed as such.

Ian

[clif]

... I climbed BB yesterday... If you blow the 2nd clip there's no avoiding the deck...

not questioning this conclusion, but can you give me a sense of what the distances are from the ground to 1st bolt and then to the second?

[dustonian]

I wasn't OCD enough to measure it, but I would estimate 9-10' to the first and 18-20' to the second. The second clip is surrounded by big jugs so it's likely the developer didn't think it would be an issue.

[Clevis Hitch]

It amazes me how everyone wants to know the mechanics of what happened when its obvious. Everyone wants to place the blame anywhere other than where it ultimatly lies.
Go after the original equipper. Go after the CC for not policing. Go after Gyms for not teaching.

Here's the truth. The blame for ground-fall ultimately lies with the team climbing.

Most belayers I have observed are inattentive to the climber and use belaying as a chance to socialize rather than belaying properly!! Which is to constantly assess everything that the climber is doing and to talk to the climber. Socializing should be at a later time. Pay attention!

Sorry for stating the obvious. I will not be responding to this thread. This is a rhetorical statement

I have reviewed my original post and have edited it for content. I hope that this is a more palatable version.

Climb2core Forget it... you can say you won or whatever. I'm through arguing this stupid shit. If you want to blame the original equipper or the CC or gyms, go right ahead. I think that ultimately people are responsible for their ownselves.

[maine]

Not trying to stir the pot any more but I did "catch" (not full weight) someone who willingly chose NOT to stick clip the first bolt on Bandolier. She still broke her ankle but had I not broken her fall she likely would have been injured further.

Just making the obvious point that as a belayer it is your DUTY to do whatever you can to keep your climber safe.

I am NOT saying that the belayer was negligent in any way on BB. I wasn't there~ can't pass judgement.

Just trying to remind us all of the serious job we undertake when we belay!

[climb2core]

Well Joe,
Had a chance to read your revised statement.... and for once, couldn't agree with you more. Climbing is always a choice, and people must ultimately assume responsibility for the risks they choose to take that is inherent in the sport of climbing.

Let bygones be bygones.

Ian

[pigsteak]

pfffft..I was looking forward to the concrete sack hitting joe on the head...

[Clevis Hitch]

pfffft..I was looking forward to the concrete sack hitting joe on the head...

Piggie...that could still happen. All you gotta is steal a concrete truck and run me down