Ali just got back from a team-building excursion in which her group went ice climbing (yes, I'm jealous). Their guides were from one of the most respected schools in the Northeast. As she was telling me about it, I asked about the guides' focus on safety - primarily harnesses and knots. She said there wasn't much instruction along those lines. I couldn't believe it. They took a group of first-timers out to an eighty-foot ice wall and didn't take the time to cover the absolute basics of climbing safety. This would include harness fitting, attachment point configuration and proper rope tie-in. None of this stuff is obvious - especially the rope part, because it uses a special kind of knot. In my experience, beginning rock or ice climbers (which is where I fit - I've only been a few times), always receive solid instruction on this material. This includes plenty of hands-on practice, after which the work is checked by an instructor. Prior to beginning a climb, configurations are again checked by the belaying partner. There's good reason for this. An improperly-configured harness or a poorly-tied or incorrectly-selected knot can cause severe injury, or even death, in the event of a fall. The system is designed to stop you if you slip and only works the way it's been designed to work.
I'm not going to mention the school. I've personally had great experiences with their programs and instructors, but apparently not all of thier guides pay enough attention to basic safety. Climbing is becoming more and more popular. One of the first questions that should be asked when selecting a program is how much pre-climbing safety material will be covered. If you don't hear an emphasis on harnesses and ropes, call someone else. In addition, when ice climbing, make sure that the class also includes an instructional session on crampon and ice axe usage. Both can cause serious injury if used improperly. It's like strapping a bunch of ninja throwing stars to your hands and feet. :-)
A comprehensive safety overview doesn't require much time. It's not going to detract from your time on the wall. Climbing is dangerous. I'm surprised that some of the professionals seem to be forgetting that. My experience is that these folks are the exception rather than the rule. Most guides I've met really have it together.
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