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General Climbing Discussion

Topic Date User

Abseilers. What are your opinions about them? 28-Jul-2017 At 3:16:24 PM ldshield

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Disclaimer: my wife is a semi-recreational abseiler.

A couple of points:
Abseilers have just as much right to (responsibly) use a crag as climbers do; we don't have a monopoly on moving vertically across rock. Obviously there is etiquette about that, but if there's wear-and-tear on a rock from someone else using it, that's just how life works. Environmentalists probably experience similar annoyance about the paths and foot pads that climbers create while accessing crags in national parks.

We should also view abseiling as an opportunity to introduce rock activities to more people; it's a gateway activity.

Finally, abseiling is a relatively common outdoor activity for schools and youth groups because it builds character. Unlike, say, trail-bike riding, if there's any damage to the environment, at least it's to a good cause.