I'm not going to tell you that climbing is not a dangerous sport, because it is true that it entails certain risks that you have to take into account. Once this is assumed, it is necessary that every time you go to the rock you do not force yourself, know your limits and above all do not get frustrated if you do not get where you wanted. Remember that the best climber is the one who has the most fun climbing, not the one who does the most.
Basic recommendations
1. Perhaps the most important of all: climb with your head, thinking and using common sense.
2. Never grab the plates
3. Do not grab the rope when rappelling or during a fall
4. Trust your teammate but still always check that everything is in order
5. Tie a knot at the end of the rope
6. Don't let the rope slip between your legs
Pay special attention to the material
Let's say that climbing equipment is practically your insurance of life, so do not miss a single detail both in its acquisition and in its care. Furthermore it is essential that you review it over time, since its aging causes deterioration and, therefore, loss of reliability.
Helmet
Many people, it is not clear why, choose not to wear a helmet. Well, from here I tell you that it is an elementary protection and as necessary as breathing. When buying it, make sure that it is very comfortable for you to wear and that it fits snugly.
Not only will it protect you in case of a fall, but during the climb there will be some stones of different sizes that can break off from the rock and this will prevent you from hitting your head. It is also very important that Colleagues who are at the foot of the track should wear it to prevent any blows.
Expanded polyethylene helmets absorb impacts better, which is why I recommend them over polycarbonate helmets (even though the latter are cheaper).
Rope
Another basic element in your security. Depending on the manufacturer, they can vary from 9 mm to 11 mm thick and are dynamic ropes made with polyamide. In general, the thinner the rope, the more elastic it is but, on the other hand, it has a shorter life.
And speaking of elasticity, the more elastic your rope is, the better it will cushion the blow in the event of a fall. As the rope ages it loses this quality and if you fall, it will be as if you were hanging from a steel rope, which can cause a lot of damage to your back.
As for the length, make sure it is approximately 70 meters and it is advisable that you mark it right in the middle to control the amount of rope we have left, especially if we have a partner hanging and we have to take him down.
Regarding the duration of a rope, it will fundamentally depend on two things: the use you give it, as is logical, and its care: that it is not worn too much. the ground, keep it away from areas where there is a lot of soil, store it well in its special backpack... When you see signs that it is fraying or widening, do not hesitate to make a change .
You have to be very careful when buying a new rope, as it costs a lot for any insurer.
Harness
It allows you to be attached to the rope and the fundamental thing when choosing it is that you feel comfortable with it, that it fits your body but without oppressing you, that it is your size.
The most important part of the harness is the ventral ring: the area where the rope passes at all times. Be very attentive and make sure it is in perfect condition.
Express Tapes
Its main objective is toattach the rope to the rock anchorsso, to avoid problems, the ideal is for these tapes to be sewn and to be somewhat long, since the longer the length, the less rubbing of the rope. Only short ones are recommended for very difficult points and only when we consider that we can touch the ground if we fall, as in the first or second anchor.
In reference to carabiners, it is better that we buy robust ones and that have high resistance with the trigger open. Those that have a wire closure are less likely to open due to the vibrations that occur in the event of a fall, but you have to be careful, they also open.
To maintain the carabiners, it is recommended that from time to time you dismantle the quickdraws and pour oil on the closures, drying the excess well. When you notice that they are very worn, get rid of them because at a given moment they can cut the rope.
Insurer
It is, in turn, one of the main elements, since it is what serves as a connection between the rope, the climber and whoever is belaying at the foot of the route. It not only controls the passage of the rope but also stops the insured if he falls.
Although there are manual ones, an automatic one is much safer as it works quickly by blocking the rope in case the insured suffers a fall, whether the belayer is paying attention or not.
Connecting carabiner
It is responsible for uniting the belay device with the harness and is located in the ventral ring. It must have a security closure, preferably automatic to avoid human errors. Don't forget to look at it from time to time, since the carabiner can be rotated and placed horizontally, removing resistance from falling.
Footwear
To climb, always wear climbing shoes and to be sure, always wear protected, closed and comfortable shoes; never insure in flip flops.
Other security factors to take into account
We must not lose sight of those things that are foreign to us, such as falling stones, breaking dams, animals such as goats that can cause rockfalls, or the location and state of anchors, among others. For all this, it is very important to be attentive at all times and maintain constant communication with your partner.
Ah! And don't forget that the top is only half the way!
