RRC Archives

ynp1 wrote:I don't think there is anything wrong with free soloing... If a climber wants to do it, then they should.

It's a free country - can't argue. But there are serious consequences some of these "climbers" don't seem to consider before assuming the risk. First, to the friends and family (including in this case a 5-year old) the victim leaves behind. And, second to the level of risk that rock climbing carries as perceived by private landowners, park managers, and the legal "profession". Nelson rocks was permanently closed because of one climber death - and she wasn't soloing. There are a few folks in the Forest Service who would just as soon see climbing closed on USFS land, and they use climbing accidents like Fletcher/Strohmeyer, Wilhoite, and others to back their cause.

ynp1 wrote:I dont think as a community we should try to force free soloing onto somebody, but you should also not look down on a person that decides that they want to.

I hope you never have to "look down" on the remains of someone who has fallen a high cliff as we have had to. Five falling deaths in the RRG area in a little over a year. Not including numerous horrific injuries.

ynp1 wrote:It is the purest form of rock climbing.

Said the person who probably has never had to package fallen victims into body bags.

Just some thoughts from a landowner, geezer climber, and tech rescuer.

I started a new link about freesoloing, because this page was hijacked.

Come on chad, just a little debate

weber, you think my feelings on free soloing would change if i saw a dead body? I didnt quit driving after i have seen somebody dead in a car... I am unsure of the point you are trying to make... but, I do respect the fact that you are willing to the SAR work in the RRG. Thanks!

dude

possum2082 wrote:

ynp1 wrote: and yes the man was a rock climber.

i went salsa dancing once, but i'm no salsa dancer.

...Exactly... Does anyone even know what this kid climbed on a regular? "IF" in fact he was a climber, or what some people consider a climber. I climb, but that doesn't mean I'm gonna go solo a 5.4 in boots for the hell of it. That's kind of like going golfing with a baseball bat... Doesn't make much sense. Sounds more like a show boating incident if anything. Hiker fell trying to solo a 5.4 in boots more like it. Maybe, I don't know every little detail, just what I've read.

weber wrote:

ynp1 wrote:I don't think there is anything wrong with free soloing... If a climber wants to do it, then they should.

It's a free country - can't argue. But there are serious consequences some of these "climbers" don't seem to consider before assuming the risk. First, to the friends and family (including in this case a 5-year old) the victim leaves behind. And, second to the level of risk that rock climbing carries as perceived by private landowners, park managers, and the legal "profession". Nelson rocks was permanently closed because of one climber death - and she wasn't soloing. There are a few folks in the Forest Service who would just as soon see climbing closed on USFS land, and they use climbing accidents like Fletcher/Strohmeyer, Wilhoite, and others to back their cause.

ynp1 wrote:I dont think as a community we should try to force free soloing onto somebody, but you should also not look down on a person that decides that they want to.

I hope you never have to "look down" on the remains of someone who has fallen a high cliff as we have had to. Five falling deaths in the RRG area in a little over a year. Not including numerous horrific injuries.

ynp1 wrote:It is the purest form of rock climbing.

Said the person who probably has never had to package fallen victims into body bags.

Just some thoughts from a landowner, geezer climber, and tech rescuer.

Maybe its just me but that sounds so condescending.

disagreed

Anyone know the ratio of recreational hikers/backpackers/regular people falling fatalities as compared to climbers/rapellers/guided people?

rjackson wrote:Anyone know the ratio of recreational hikers/backpackers/regular people falling fatalities as compared to climbers/rapellers/guided people?

Its massive.