I know if I were in your shoes I would find it incredibly hard not to blame myself but from an outsider's perspective I hope you can move past this and continue to enjoy climbing. Coincidentally enough I sent Ro' today for the first time and it is an awesome route. Please don't let this memory keep you from it and other excellent climbs. Learn from it – don't lose from it. Take care – and if you're ever climbing in the TN/Ga. and need a catch, feel free to hit me up.

I know if I were in your shoes I would find it incredibly hard not to blame myself but from an outsider's perspective I hope you can move past this and continue to enjoy climbing. Coincidentally enough I sent Ro' today for the first time and it is an awesome route. Please don't let this memory keep you from it and other excellent climbs. Learn from it – don't lose from it. Take care – and if you're ever climbing in the TN/Ga. and need a catch, feel free to hit me up.

I read all about the accident…sucks (accident…not the writing). Thank you for describing it all in detail. I don't necessarily enjoy reading about other peoples misfortunes but I do like to learn from them. I am a 30 yo male and have been climbing (mostly trad) for 13 years. I have climbed all over the US (no international) and have never heard of or read about such a set up for top roping so it is understandable how you could be confused…I was until I saw the pic. I think the persons comments about the accident were a bit scathing no doubt but I can understand their frustration (frustration leads to anger). I think we should all learn from this mistake and take something away from it. I have read numerous accident reports about simple communication errors and have changed my procedures to include a talk with my climber/ belayer about what will go down in regards to lowering off/ rappelling etc. so that we have a game plan that will work before anyone leaves the ground. That leaves less chance of an error (Duh I know). As far as the helmet thing goes…my opinion is… why not? I know that nobody does it and I get some strange looks when I'm rocking a 5.12, 1 pitch, sport lead, but I don't really give a crap cuz my brain is worth more to me than my ego. I don't want to preach but I have a good friend who works with brain injured people and she scared me straight. She told me of a well respected, 40 something doctor who had the misfortune of tripping on some concrete steps, taking a little tumble and knocking her head…She is trying to learn her shapes and colors these days. I know…that can happen to anybody but I keep thinking of catching my leg behind the rope, flipping upside down, and whack! It's over. I just think I'd look a whole lot dumber drooling on myself than wearing my big old sticker covered Ecrin..besides it's good training weight. Come to think of it…maybe I should start wearing it while I boulder…Nahh. To each there own. Be safe out there and thanks for the blog! If your ever in Seattle area feel free to look me up for some route beta or a trip!

Dave:)

I read a little bit of the douchebags comments to you. I believe the above statement is the correct one not only in climbing but in all aspects of life. If there is any question in a belay or climbing system any confusion at all DONT DO IT. Heal up Marcy you sound like an incredible person!

The idea that the belayer is the sole means of safety is just ridiculous. Each person has sole responsibility of their own safety, whether that means making sure that their belayer understands the system and can belay you, they are placing good protection, using a correct anchor system, or anything along those lines. The idea of having a climbing partner is really to have someone else be able to look at your system and hopefully aid in keeping you safe.

That being said, Rachel definitely could have decided not to belay or use a more straight forward belay, but she freely admitted that and posted this account to help everyone avoid a similar mistake. I definitely admire you, Rachel, and your honesty with the situation. Thanks for giving us all a chance to avoid an accident and maybe re-realize just how dangerous climbing can be.

I hope that you can get back on a rope again!

Thanks for the comment. Hope you are well. =)
Rach

Keep on rockin'.

http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2004/03/19/