[TowerTalk] free climbing a 1700`tower

[David Gilbert]

Doug, I didn't intentionally change what you said, but I'm having a 
difficult time understanding the distinction since if someone can't 
physically climb a tower at all none of this discussion applies anyway. 
    If someone was prone to acrophobia it would come into play whether 
they were free climbing or constantly clipped in (trust me).  About the 
only valid distinction I can discern between "can't" and "won't" free 
climb is if someone wasn't fit enough to periodically rest without 
taking their hands off the tower.  If that was your point, OK.

Your suggestions on how to negate forces beyond our control don't make 
much sense to me, though.  I wouldn't trust my life to any of them.  A 
simple strap makes far more sense.

I guess what I most don't understand about any of this discussion is 
what any amateur has to gain by free climbing.  Time to climb or descend 
is typically minor compared with the time actually spent doing work on 
the tower.  It does seem idiotic to me to knowingly and significantly 
risk one's life for no potential gain.

Dave   AB7E



On 9/18/2010 10:23 AM, Doug Renwick wrote:
> Dave,
>
> Please don't change what I said!  You replaced 'can't free climb' with
> 'won't free climb'.  There is a big difference in statements.  I did not
> say you should free climb.  I said I free climb because I am comfortable
> and physically able doing such.
>
> There are forces beyond our control.  Your examples:
> Strong wind gust - climb with the wind at your back.
> Metal failure - applies to all
> Mistake by someone else - applies to all.  Be constantly aware of what
> others are doing.
> Surprised by flying objects - be mentally prepared for such events.
>
> You probably can free climb but you choose not to.
>
> Doug
>
> The train doesn't stop here anymore.
>
> -----Original Message-----
>
> While I agree that being in good physical shape helps reduce (but
> doesn't prevent) mistakes from being tired, it doesn't do anything to
> minimize mistakes from being distracted or being affected by forces
> beyond your control ... strong wind gust, metal failure, mistake by
> someone else, being surprised by bees or a bird .... the list is
> endless.   I've driven a car for 45 years, have never been in an
> accident, and have reflexes better than most 20 year olds ...  but I
> still wear a seat belt.   Whether or not you are an idiot may be
> indeterminate, but the statement that anyone who won't free climb
> shouldn't climb anymore at all is categorically idiotic.
>
> Dave   AB7E