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Climbing Etiquette - What is it?

Original Post
Aeryn · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2010 · Points: 65

So my "Totally Mindless Chalk Use" post has led me to an additional question... what climbing etiquette should be abided by?

For me, climbing etiquette involves:

1. Climbing thoughtfully. That covers a lot... but with respect to chalk (as that is what prompted this post), use chalk sparingly and only when necessary, don't leave handprints or other doodles, and do what you can to ensure you are not dropping chalk bits behind you;

2. If you are camping at large, don't camp next to someone (without their consent) just because it is a choice spot... some folks just want to be left alone;

3. If you are at a crag and there are only two other people there, don't set your anchor on top of theirs and climb the routes they are on (again, without their consent)... climb something in close proximity;

4. Pick up after yourself. "Leave no trace" is a damn good rule to live by. Also, I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to pick up the trash others have left behind;

5. Don't climb up someone's ass... not literally (again, if you have consent, go for it), but when on crowded routes be patient;

6. Keep quiet unless circumstances indicate otherwise. Lots of us like to get lost in the solitude of the rock... respect that and don't be rowdy unless rowdy is called for;

7. Don't put cigs out on the rock. It leaves a mark that is kinda ugly (imho);

8. If you add webbing, etc. to an anchor, be conscientious of what's left behind. If you add new, consider cutting and carrying away the oldest piece....

That's all I can think of at the moment, but I'm certainly interested in others' ideas. Though I rarely climb with others around, might be I've been pissing a whole lot of folks off without even realizing it...

BurtMachlan · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2012 · Points: 0
This post violated Rule #1. It has been removed by Mountain Project.
Ed Rhine · · Denver, CO · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 0

HAHAHAHHAHAH... Etiquette is important but some of this is ridiculous.

2. Unless you own the land its really not your call. Why should someone choose a lesser spot to not be near you? If you want solitude go far in somewhere and if you're lucky no one will be there.

3. Those people are certainly stupid to do that but on the flip side TRing routes, especially with groups, is quite enraging.

4. Couldn't agree more and wish more people did this.

5. Yes and no. As the second party you should always ask to pass. As the slower party you should ALWAYS say yes. Being stuck behind people who are super slow is really annoying and passing can be super safe.

6. Thats your opinion. Some people like to hoot and holler... some listen to music on a ledge or some sing. Just because its your preference does not dictate that its a rule. Think of where this sport originated from as a fringe with a bunch of hooligans. If you dont know, look it up.

8. pretty much a standard

There are exceptions to every rule out there so really this kind of thing is just strange

Leeroy · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2012 · Points: 0

This website just continues to get better and better. Great thread.

4 star post there Price.

mitchy B · · nunya gotdamn business. · Joined Aug 2009 · Points: 0
This post violated Rule #1. It has been removed by Mountain Project.
mitchy B · · nunya gotdamn business. · Joined Aug 2009 · Points: 0
This post violated Rule #1. It has been removed by Mountain Project.
Leeroy · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2012 · Points: 0

Ah, come on mods. I didn't even get to see it before you wisked it away! I guess I just need to be quicker.

BurtMachlan · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2012 · Points: 0
This post violated Rule #1. It has been removed by Mountain Project.
Nick Stayner · · Wymont Kingdom · Joined Mar 2006 · Points: 2,315
Aeryn wrote: (imho)
What's been humble about anything you've said so far?
BurtMachlan · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2012 · Points: 0
This post violated Rule #1. It has been removed by Mountain Project.
Mike Lane · · AnCapistan · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 880

mitchy is 0 for 2

Mark E Dixon · · Possunt, nec posse videntur · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 974

I thought mitchy's first bikini comment was kind of funny, even if rude and sexist. Not that I'm against rude and sexist. And not that I'm against being against rude and sexist...

James Crump · · Canyon Lake, TX · Joined Dec 2008 · Points: 200

Take care of your shit.

That is all.

GonnaBe · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2010 · Points: 135

I don't lead 5.8 so my opinion doesn't count around here BUT I'll run my mouth anyway. Seriously in all honesty Aeryn I thought you were a troll-- maybe you weren't and have decided to start. If you aren't then I am amazed at the variety of opinions and viewpoints out there. I shouldn't be surprised but I am. If you are for real you have opened my imagination to a whole new world of what's possibly goin' on in somebody else's head. Do you ever vocalize these opinions of yours to other climbers? I could imagine a conversation where somebody said, "If you didn't want me to set-up camp here you shouldn't have picked the spot right next to the second best spot... etc." "Don't set-up on the uber classic route everybody wants to gang-rope..." When reading this remember-- you out climb me AND without chalk!

mitchy B · · nunya gotdamn business. · Joined Aug 2009 · Points: 0

DAYUM, Leeroy the mods must like you, Deleting my posts about you pffft. I was only kidding by the way.

mitchy B · · nunya gotdamn business. · Joined Aug 2009 · Points: 0

i LOVE chalk, up here in NE it's hot AND humid. I have a secret little crag that i frequent, don't use a chalk ball either, just dump it in and chalk up. Effing rock, you could prooly see it from space, practically glows in the dark, chalk all over it. When it rains it all gone.

Kenny Thompson · · Cottage grove oregon · Joined Feb 2010 · Points: 560

Sometimes on a short sport route I wear two chalk bags cause one aint enough.

mitchy B · · nunya gotdamn business. · Joined Aug 2009 · Points: 0

WHOA, now that is serious shizzle.

Jon Sinclair · · Lafayette, CO · Joined Feb 2007 · Points: 25

Maybe what Aeryn is saying here is basically... respect other people's space and respect the rock. That doesn't sound too crazy to me, but maybe she just overstated it a little.

Darren S · · Minneapolis, MN · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 3,388

I don't even know what to say to any of this other than quit being the fun police and let others do what they will. You can't change the actions of others, but you can change your reaction to the actions of others.

cmagee1 Magee · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2012 · Points: 35

Good lord I'm glad that the Saturday afternoon cragging crowd is nothing like MP. I climbers acted this petty in real life the sport would be long dead...

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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