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worst near accidents I've seen 22-Sep-2010 At 1:32:25 PM Hendo

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I didn't actually see this, but here is what my other senses picked up. I was sitting on a fairly pointy rock under cosmic ecology at Barrenjoey with my back facing the cliff, probably having a bite to eat though I can't quite remember. I heard the sound of rope whipping through air and draws, when the noise didn't stop quickly I started to bend over slightly and turn around to see what was happening. I then felt someone land on my head and roll down my back. I turned to see this person lying safely on the ground. I never worked out what happened exactly but general rope shenanigans and miscommunication meant that this person was (I think) expecting to be lowered off from the anchors but wasn't on belay. Thankfully Barrenjoey is a short crag, about a 12m fall. I didn't have my helmet on, it hurt surprisingly little and I'm very glad I was sitting there.

After this I now wonder if my belayers realise I also see them as effective emergency crash pads.