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Chockstone Forum - Accidents & Injuries

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Accident at climbing gym 19th May 21-May-2004 At 12:45:48 PM climberer

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Not sure if I should name the gym, although my belief is that equipment setup/maintenance had nothing to do with the accident.

The climber was properly tied in when he fell, so I would say that it was quite possibly belayer error. I know I'm tiptoeing around this, but I don't want to say "it happened because of 'x'", because probably only the climber and belayer know how it happened.

Lessons learnt? Check and double check that a novice belayer knows and feels confident in their technique, especially with newer ropes on overhanging routes, which can run through the device relatively quickly. Also make sure your belayer is prepared for sudden falls that can occur without warning. I often see beginners at the gym who seem capable of lowering a person off from the top, but hold the rope so casually while their partner is climbing, that I wonder how they would manage an unexpected fall.