RRC Archives

clif wrote: The Webers REQUIRE climbers to be proficient before they climb on their property (Waiver)

Ha Ha Ha, best thing I have read on here in awhile! Is that why I would guess it has some if the most sport climbing accidents in the United States! At least it looked that way when I was looking through last years American Alpine Club Journal...

Lots of noob's don't intend to start on a 90 ft climb anyway. So a 'short rope' is often used, various sizes, 142 ft sounds fine, IF the rope is in good condition. Lots of 40-50 ft. starter climbs that the rope would work fine for. I hate hauling along the extra weight if I know my day is going to be only short routes. But do get totally instructed; asking how many quickdraws are always needed gives away the fact you don't know much about climbing yet. How about use a few bucks for a couple stoppers and some sling, and do some toprope climbs to get started. Not many to set up at the Red without a lead climber, but do get some serious instruction before you head to Muir. We don't need another utrained climber accident there this season.

ynp1 wrote:

clif wrote: The Webers REQUIRE climbers to be proficient before they climb on their property (Waiver)

Ha Ha Ha, best thing I have read on here in awhile! Is that why I would guess it has some if the most sport climbing accidents in the United States! At least it looked that way when I was looking through last years American Alpine Club Journal...

Two points for perspective

1 - The volume in Muir Valley is probably higher than many other areas around the country.
2- The Webers are diligent about reporting accidents on their property. From what I recall, the ANAM publication is largely self-reported with some incidents pulled in from news organizations.

I don't know that either of these points detracts from your thesis (many non-proficient climbers at MV) but they may help explain the anecdotal high incidence of accidents you mention.

For what it's worth, nothing I have witnessed at Muir Valley was atypical for an area so beginner friendly, and not even remotely close to the clusters I have seen/heard about out in Boulder. The video (and subsequent threads) of the party attempting one of the Flatirons just prior to an obvious massive thunderstorm is pure comic gold if you haven't seen it.

returntosender wrote:Alpinestar - take the $40 you saved on rope and commit to doing this event if you can still get in. This is a steal to have a professional guide give you instruction. http://www.meetup.com/lexington-climbin ... 166966292/

That's my weekend to work but I called today and paid for my wife and her friend to go, hopefully they can teach me a thing or two afterwords.
Thanks!