Auto-Belays
Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2012 9:22 pm
So I ran into an issue with this today; I was working as a belayer at a local climbing gym and found out that the gym had recently purchased two auto-belays (webbing from a mechanical device that is attached to the anchor and belays you). I tried not to act disappointed at my employers decision, but I died a little inside . Has gym climbing disconnected itself so far from actual climbing that it is going to eliminate belaying from gyms entirely? One thing I love about climbing is connecting with the people I climb and work with. I am as social as possible at my work and try to create a positive atmosphere. Eliminating the connection between belayer and climber takes away two prominent aspects of climbing: trust and social interactions. Having another person at the end of my rope gives me a good feeling and I connect with that person and trust them with my life. Running laps on an auto belay makes climbing mindless and mentally exhausting. I tried running laps on a wall after my work, and found it had potential as a training tool, but I felt alone. I will try to avoid them by climbing outdoors, but when the snow starts coming, I might be in the gym a lot more than usual.
So what's your take?
So what's your take?