Rock Fall

Rock Fall that missed the author's belayer by one foot.

Rock Fall is one of the most common dangers in rock climbing. Rock Fall is especially common on limestone and sandstone crags where the rock tends to have more loose flakes and blocks.

Rock Climbing Helmets are designed to protect against rock fall. Therefore it is important that both the climber and the belayer wear a climbing helmet. Climbing Helmets cost between 50 and 100 dollars. Petzl currently makes the most popular climbing helmets. Their two main helmets are the 'Elios Class' and 'Ecrin Roc'.

Testing questionable rock is key to avoiding rock fall. Tap on a questionable piece of rock with your knuckles and listen for a hollow sound. Hollow sounds indicate that there is space between the block and the main body of rock. If a hollow block is unavoidable remember to pull straight down on the block. Pulling outwards on a questionable block greatly increases the chance of the block being dislodged.

Flakes will always create a hollow sound. Test for looseness of the flake by carefully pulling it back and forth then proceed conservatively.

In area where rock fall is likely (if you must climb there) try to place your belayer out of the direct line of fire. Parties climbing above you can also create rock fall. Therefore always question the rock stability when choosing to follow a party up a climb.

Related Pages

• Danger
• Helmet
• Multipitch
• Rock Climbing
• Sport Climbing