By Sharael Feist
2003
If you are new to climbing, Mike Fyten, manager of Planet Granite climbing gym in Belmont, CA, recommends taking lessons. For around $30 beginners learn how to climb and belay, tie knots and communicate. All equipment and admission to the gym are included. With 25 years of experience, Fyten says that the most common cause of injuries comes from people not putting their harness on correctly or from a knot that wasn’t tied properly. “It’s very safe. Anybody can do it,” Fyten says confidently. “Indoor climbing made the sport go from extreme to mainstream. The biggest thing to fear while climbing indoors is that a pigeon will get loose in the building and poop on your head.” Checking your partner before the climb begins is essential for safety. Don’t self check.
Here are some safety checks that should be performed:
Things belayer should check on the climber:
- Harness
- Knots tied properly
- Rope is attached to harness properly
Things the climber should check on the belayer:
- Harness
- The belay device is attached properly
- Belay device is functioning and oriented for right or left hander
- Carabiner is locked