FALL ON ROCK, PLACING PROTECTION

New York, Shawangunks

In November 1981, a young woman (18) fell while trying to clip in to a fixed piton on Try Again (5.10). (Source: Brad Snyder)

Analysis

Twelve of the 14 accidents in the Shawangunks this year were leader falls. These last two illustrate what can happen when a climber’s focus shifts from the most important concern to a secondary function. (Source: J. Williamson)