On May 11 a man (32) was bouldering Germ Free Adolescence (V5+) when he intentionally let go rather than attempt to downclimb or continue up. He fell about 10 feet straight onto a crash pad. Despite a spotter assisting his landing, the fall badly broke the climber’s right ankle, possibly due to a rock that was under the center of the crash pad. (Source: Steve Muehlhauser, Ranger, Eldorado Canyon State Park.)

Analysis

Multiple pads may be needed to protect a rocky landing under boulder problems. In addition, boulderers need to watch out for gaps in the padding, either between pads or where a foldable pad is hinged. (Source: Aram Attarian.)