In reply to your web page on paying to climb at wharepapa
As a
relative new -comer to the sport (12 months) I see that the land-owner is doing
the sport a favour by improving facilities. At a readily accessible and by your
description an excellent site and by providing on-site training and help when
you need it most thus improving the safety image of the sport, here in good old
Australia we drive up to 4 hours to get to something reasonable to climb and
there is nothing in the way of facilities. When we get there!!!!!
I recently
renewed my life & work cover insurance and was refused cover on any outdoor
rock climbing, if we had more "training facilities" like this maybe
this would change. I suggest
That before
strapping on the Sportivas next you check your insurance policy.
To those
old timers who have been climbing forever take note the sport is taking off and
people are going to want and expect improved facilities where they can take
their families and not have to watch someone taking a crap behind a gorse bush.
thanks
Brian
Newport
(xpat kiwi
lived in Aus 23yrs)
Reply
Thanks
Brian
Even
qualified instructors
are (usually) unable to get insurance cover while climbing. I
guess it one of those things we have to relinquish in return for the enjoyment
gained from the sport.
Some
climbers are quite concerned that other landowners may elect to charge and the
number of free access areas will be reduced. Charging has a downside for
the landowners and managers however, once they start to charge they may be
taxed and have Occupational Safety & Health obligations.
Regarding the need for instruction, it is already available and we
recommend everyone receive instruction from a competent and qualified instructor
prior to climbing.
