rcwild
07-05-2005, 07:44 AM
A group of people became acquainted through a canyoneering chat group and decided to do a canyon together. One member of the group, who had represented himself as an expert on the internet, took on a lead role.
One of the problems encountered during the descent was approximately 20 feet high. The "expert" determined that he would down-climb the problem after the other members of the group rappelled using a boulder as an anchor. He explained that he would sit on the boulder to make it more secure. As the first person rappelled, the rope slipped over the top of the boulder and under the "expert's" rear end, causing the rappeller to fall. Fortunately his injuries were not severe.
LESSONS:
1) The internet can be a great place to find canyon beta, technical advice and new partners, but you must exercise caution. There are a number of self-proclaimed experts who can "talk the talk", but lack real experience and expertise. Be careful who you trust.
2) Safety is everyone's responsibility. No matter who your partners are -- even if they are real experts -- don't be afraid to question why and/or how systems are rigged.
One of the problems encountered during the descent was approximately 20 feet high. The "expert" determined that he would down-climb the problem after the other members of the group rappelled using a boulder as an anchor. He explained that he would sit on the boulder to make it more secure. As the first person rappelled, the rope slipped over the top of the boulder and under the "expert's" rear end, causing the rappeller to fall. Fortunately his injuries were not severe.
LESSONS:
1) The internet can be a great place to find canyon beta, technical advice and new partners, but you must exercise caution. There are a number of self-proclaimed experts who can "talk the talk", but lack real experience and expertise. Be careful who you trust.
2) Safety is everyone's responsibility. No matter who your partners are -- even if they are real experts -- don't be afraid to question why and/or how systems are rigged.