- Consider This...
As outdoor enthousiasts, we should all respect the cliffs and the surrounding areas. Unfortunately, many of these areas are constantly threatened by closure from regular townsfolk who aren't sure what to think about our sport. To climbers, cliffs are like an ablating habitat, one we need to preserve if we hope to stay off the endangered sportsmen's list. Do your part. First priority is to respect property owners (usually best accomplished by not being boisterous-just show some courtesy and keep it low profile while climbing), and respect parking rules, and park hours (like at East Peak). Also, leave the cliff area free of trash (even those ugly pieces of white - and often red - finger tape). If you see trash, pick some up. That way we can all continue to climb at beautiful areas as they first were when they inspired us.
ATTN. SMACKADDICTS: for nature's sake and the rest of us who don't want to see the key holds revealed ahead of us on our big climb, "JUST SAY NO" to EXCESSIVE CHALK USE, and tick marks all over the place. If the self-interested monetary reason for using less chalk doesn't work, namely that then a rope will stay cleaner, maintain it's suppleness, and last longer before needing replacement, consider this... Not only does too much chalk make the rock look ugly, irk rangers, hikers, and non-climbers alike, but it takes away from the merit of a climber's "on-sight" or indeed any ascent, and maybe worse, it kills the feel and texture of the holds. Chalky holds at the gym are one problem we all recognize; but outdoors, where we go to grab fresh and patently camoulfaged rock holds as part of the excitement, it's even worse - they feel unnatural and greasy on a normal day and then utterly slippery long after a rain has come and gone.
- WARNING!
Rockclimbing is a dangerous sport, requiring proper training and equipment to minimize risks. So stack the odds in your favor - always climb and boulder responsibly, with a knowledgable partner, and use good judgement. You alone are responsible for your safety when climbing!
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since 5/5/99
