RRC Archives

A friend of mine went with me to work on a new route and he got three bolts up and the rest of the route was too wet - he down-climbed, unclipping as he went...he didn't hang, take, or fall. Does this mess up his on- site. Meaning, if he went to attempt it again and got it clean...would it still count as an on-site?

For the most part yes, but technically, it would be a greypoint.

I think so. On sight=never having seen it, no beta,no falls, no takes.
but, I am a traditionalist

No, thats why it is called an onsight. so it would not be an onsight the second time he gets on it.

I agree with the traditionalists. The second your foot leaves the ground, the onsite attempt has begun. However, you know in your heart if you could have done it or not. So you might not have the out right "bragging rights", but deep inside, you know if you could have done it or not.

Tell your friend good luck on their next go.

I think it would still be an onsight. He never fell. He just down climbed. It's not his fault that the holds had water pooled on them. right?

dirt, it dosent matter if he fell or not, he has been on the route already and the next time he gets on it, it will be his second try wet or not. that is all common sence yo

This has been proven to still be a onsite by Yuji Hirayama's world famous onsite of Sphinx Crack 5.13b/c.

Yuji warmed up by onsiting the first half of the route, placing pro on lead, then downclimbing and removing his pro. He then rested and proceeded to onsite the route.

I wouldn't argue with a monumental occasion such as that. Yuji was and still is the only person to onsite Sphinx Crack.

So, that said, I'd say your friend still has a chance to onsite the route.

Nice Ray - thanks

If it really makes you feel special and happy to achieve a label for your climbing ability, then yes.

I personally couldn't care if I hang or see someone else climb it or even (**GASP**) get beta on where to place gear... I just climb for the fun of it. That's my personal opinion anyway. 8)