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General Climbing Discussion

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Should we stop placing carrots? 31-Aug-2009 At 11:43:30 AM The Keeper

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Replace 'em. Aussie climbing will retain its distinctive place in the universe of climbing without them. Surely it not about risking the life of anyone for the difference in price.
Routes are put in with the notion that others will follow - otherwise they wouldn't be communicated to others and put into guidebooks. They are ticking timebombs and those who want them should then have the task of informing the partner, family, work colleagues of the person who dies of one failing - whenever that is. I doubt they would be keen on that task. If you are not directly accountable for the result it is easy to remain above it all and appeal to "convenience". From my point of view, I don't think it has much to with climbing talent at all - it is not about walking the knife-edge of existence - because ultimately that is going to tag in against you ref. John Bachar - the latest of an extended list. There is no glory in becoming a statistic. And green sport climbers with minimal real world experience run the risk of being the statistics.

Aussie climbing should be leading the way in safe and challenging climbing - marrying obvious talent ,(raucous apres-climbing life) and the safest climbing possible. Your climbing reputation(s) will not be reduced because of it.

My first experience with one was a route at Araps - where I had to rap off one - a fairly freaky and dubious propositon but apparently the only option on that particular route.

Thanks to Mike and Neil for embracing a necessary discussion. Change is a tough pill to swallow for some but good leaders find a way to set the route and top out in spite of the opposition.