25/11/2019
Climbing is an extreme sport and for this reason, it can be very dangerous. Keep in mind that the majority of accidents in climbing are caused by the climber’s errors. Therefore, before you backpack again and go out climbing again, you should consider improving your future safety.
Well, in this post, I’m sharing 10 insightful tips that should make your mountain climbing safer.
1. Check the Harnesses Every Time
Every time you plan to climb a mountain, you must be extremely cautious even if you have already climbed it several times already. So, after you’re all set to start your climbing journey, don’t forget to check the harness buckles to be doubled back.
2. Double Check the Knots
Another must-check thing before you start your climbing are the knots. You’d better double check them just to make sure that the lead climber tie-in knot is tied properly, and that it has a backup knot.
Tom Henderson, the HR manager at EssayGeeks.co.uk, who is also a severe mountain climbing passionate, advises that “Your life is more important than anything, of course. We, adrenaline addicts love to risk it. When we do, we feel happy. However, starting a trip unprepared would be the most unwise decision a mountain-climber can make!”
3. Never Forget the Climbing Hamlet
If you want to live in harmony with your mountain climbing passion, wearing a climbing helmet is more than essential. In case of a falling or rockfalls, the climbing helmet is the only thing that can keep your head safe, away from head injuries.
Trust me, you don’t have to get hit by a BIG rock to feel the effects. A simple, random, small rock can put you in fatal circumstances. Certainly, you can avoid that by wearing your climbing helmet all the time.
4. Always Check the Belay Device and the Rope
As Rob Jones, the HR manager BookAllSafaris, and a big fan of mountain climbing advises “Before you consider leading a route, always double-check that the rope is properly threaded through the belay device. Do that and you’ll be safer than the majority of newbie climbers.”
Additionally, ensure that both the rope and the belay device are attached to the belay loop with a locking carabiner on the belayer’s harness.
5. Ensure That the Rope is Long Enough
Always choose a long rope for your climbing, as it must be long enough to reach to the anchors and also long enough to reach a belay ledge. Anyhow, if you have any doubts that the rope might is not long enough, you should tie a stopper knot on the end of the tail to ensure that you will not fall
6. Pay Attention
Every time you engage in climbing, which is a life-and-death hobby, you must be very cautious and put all your focus on what you’re doing. This is an advice especially for those of you who are belaying! You must focus on the path that your pack leader establishes and avoid taking any unnecessary risks that may cause you to fall.
7. Bring Enough Gear
Always check the route before you go climbing it. You must visualize the route from the ground, so you’ll know exactly the equipment you need to bring and how many bolts will need quickdraws. If you’re not really sure, it won’t hurt to bring some extra quickdraws.
8. Climb with the Rope Over Your Leg
You shouldn’t keep your rope between or behind one leg. Every time you climb, ensure that you keep it OVER the leg to prevent any misfortunate happenings. Moreover, if you fall and your rope is not over your leg, you will fall upside down and hurt your head. Always wear a protection helmet!
9. Clip Your Rope Properly
If you want to be truly safe, you must clip the rope through carabiners on quickdraws as effectively as you can. Unless you want to see an unclipped rope causing a lot of damage, you should face the carabiner gate in the opposite direction of your travel.
10. Use Safe Anchors
Don’t head on the road before you get at least two anchors.
Redundancy is what keeps you alive. So, at the of your route make sure you always use at least 2 anchors.
Three would be even better. I used to use three when I was the beginning. If you opt for a sports route, it would be wise to use locking carabiners, so if you fall the rope will catch you. Lastly, make certain they have a good quality and they’ll never let you down.
