VARIOUS FALLS ON ROCK, PROTECTION PULLING, FALLING ROCK, INADEQUATE PROTECTION

New York, Shawangunks

In 2005 there were 14 climbing accident reports, two of which were bouldering falls. Ten of the incidents occurred while ascending. Individuals fell, and six of the falls were made worse as a result of no or inadequate protection. There was one rappel incident in which the climber rappelled off the end of his rope, and there was one incident in which the climber had untied the rope before down-climbing. He fell 15 feet. Another climber tumbled over backward while trying to pull down a stuck rope. He dislocated his shoulder.

The average age of the climbers involved was 37, the average difficulty of the climbs was 5.6, and the average level of experience was moderate to experienced, with only two having little or no experience.

Not counted in the data were two snake bite events, one in which the climber was bitten with no consequence. (Source: From reports submitted by the Mohonk Preserve)