Climbing is a risky sport. Sometimes disasters happen on the cleanest routes and during the simplest maneuvers. It’s hard to believe that even highly experienced climbers can make tragically foolish mistakes. We are all prone to errors when we’re afraid, rushed, or overly excited. If you’re new to climbing or feel you need a few reminders, keep the following safety tips in mind.
Before heading out to climb in the wild, be sure to get proper instruction—never act blindly.
Don’t assume the techniques you learn in a climbing gym will directly translate to real rock. Don’t assume your “experienced” partner knows everything you need to know.
Before leaving the ground, discuss the climbing plan with your partner.
If you’re going to climb traditionally, what’s the plan for getting down after reaching the top? Are you taking a trail down, rappelling yourself, or having your partner lower you? Is the rope long enough to get you back to the ground? Even if you're top-roping, you should still pre-plan the details. Many accidents happen simply because there was no clear plan from the start.
Add backup protection to your belay system. Never trust your life to a single anchor.
When in doubt, add more protection. Include multiple layers in your system. If one piece fails, others can save you. For example, never use just one anchor—even a single bolt—for a top-rope setup. Always connect two anchors together to share the load. Don’t skimp on gear. On a sport route, clip into two quickdraws at the end instead of one. This mindset also applies before climbing—always double-check each other’s harnesses, knots, and belay devices.
Use your own gear rather than relying solely on fixed protection for setting up a top rope.
Repeated rope drag can wear down fixed anchors. By using your own quickdraws or slings and carabiners to set up the top rope, you extend the life of the permanent anchors and help preserve them for future climbers. Similarly, self-rappelling is generally better for your rope and anchors than having someone lower you.
Check the protection system before rappelling down.
If a partner is lowering you, have them take up the slack first so your weight is on the rope—not directly on the anchor—and then unclip yourself from the anchor. If you’re self-rappelling, take up the rope yourself. This ensures the rope is properly threaded through the protection system and correctly attached to you. Also, inspect the anchors and the whole system; if anything seems less than solid, add some backup protection.
Communicate often with your partner.
Climbing is a team sport. If you can’t hear each other or shouting isn’t working, create alternative ways to communicate—like rope tugs—to send clear signals. Also, agree on communication methods before starting the climb.
If you’re not sure, don’t do it.
If you’re not 100% certain you can safely untie a knot and tie it back properly, don’t try to thread the rope through an anchor and descend. If you’re unsure about descending safely, don’t do it. It’s better to stay humble and ask for help than to risk your life.