VARIOUS FALLS ON ROCK, INADEQUATE BELAYS, NO OR INADEQUATE PROTECTION, NO HARD HAT

New York, Mohonk Preserve, Shawangunks

There were 28 climbing-related accidents reported this year. Eighteen involved leader falls, six involved top roping or seconding, and one was a rappel error. There were three bouldering-related accidents that resulted in minor injuries. These were due to poor spotting or missing the landing pad. Bouldering is gaining in popularity again.

Seven falls resulted in fractures, one in a dislocation, and two in concussions, one of which was due to no hard hat. The rest, with the exception of the fatality described below, included bruises and lacerations. Three of the reports indicated poor rope handling, either with too much slack in the rope or not enough rope to lower the climber to the ground. Several mishaps were due to leading grades above the climbers’ abilities.

One cliff rescue was performed on the poplar climb “Hawk” (5.4) in the Trapps. The leader had fallen on the second pitch, and the old piton he had clipped into pulled out of the rock. Due to his ankle injury, the climber needed to be lowered from the top of the first pitch by litter. (Source: From the annual report submitted by the Mohonk Preserve and Jed Williamson)