Climbing Code of Respect for Gym-to-Rock Climbers

Rock Respect is a new initiative by Ontario’s Leslie Timms and others to help educate indoor climbers about outdoor climbing ethics.

The following is what is being called the climbers’ code of respect and see below for a contest.

It was created with the help of access groups across Canada, in an effort to unify climbing information and create a national resource for gym to rock transitioning.

The mission is to educate rock climbers across Canada about outdoor climbing ethics, land stewardship, leave no trace and how to make a safe and educated transition into the outdoor realm.

Rock climbing is growing in popularity and with this comes a growing number of climbers making the transition from the gym to the real rocks.

To create nationally unified and approved climbing information, all of the information on this website has been created in collaboration with numerous access coalitions and climbing organizations across Canada. Visit the website here.

Code of Respect

Educate yourself about outdoor rock climbing ethics, safety considerations and how to lessen your environmental impact at the cliff.

Excited to finally announce a project I have been working on since February called @rockrespect ?? First goal of this ‘Gym to Rock’ initiative was to create a national “Climbers’ Code of Respect” with access groups across Canada. Keep an eye out for it at your local climbing gym! And check out our website for more ‘Gym to Rock’ transitioning tips. If you share the Climbers’ Code with friends, you can enter a raffle to win a @sterlingrope package! I hope this website will be a useful resource for guides and climbers across Canada. We plan to continue updating it and improving it as we move forward. Huge thanks to the support of @arcteryx @lasportivana @guides_institute @ascentnbq @cas_bc @undeveloped_island @climbnovascotia @ontarioaccesscoalition @fqme_montagne @samsparrowblue @petzl_official @sterlingrope @kailasofficial @arcteryxtoronto @arcteryxyorkdale @overhangadventures @freespirittours @pete.hoang @richwheaterphoto and many more. ???#rockrespect

A post shared by Leslie Timms (@leslietimmerz) on May 29, 2018 at 1:22pm PDT

Respect the Dangers
– Outdoor climbing poses many safety concerns that are not present in a climbing gym. Make sure that you are properly prepared for rock climbing outside.
– Learn necessary outdoor climbing skills from a guide/mentor
– Learn about the cliff: style, protection, difficulty, area hazards (ie. Poison ivy)
– Wear a helmet as rocks can break, yell “rock” if rock/gear fall
-Watch for sharp edges that can damage/cut rope when lowering/rappelling
– Inspect/clean your gear often. Replace when worn/expired
– Triple check and back up your systems (harness/knot/belays/anchors/rappels).
– Communicate with your partner and other climbers
– Learn how to detect if fixed gear/bolts are safe

Respect the Environment
– Climbing areas are more environmentally sensitive than you may think. Lead by example and leave the cliff cleaner than you found it.
– Pack out your trash & pick up after others
– Stay on designated trails to lessen impact
-Do not urinate under overhangs or in caves. It does not wash away!
– Use existing bathroom facilities/dig a hole, cover it and pack out TP
– Do not feed or hurt animals
– Leash dogs to not disrupt wildlife & others
– Ke ep gear/back-pack on non-vegetated surfaces to avoid damaging plants
– Do not damage/chip the rock. Brush off your tick marks
– Start fires only in designated/contained pits
– Be aware of seasonal fire bans and follow regulations

Respect Others
-Please be respectful of land owners and other people at the cliff. Stay educated about cliff rules, as well as any cliff access issues that may be present.
– Share climbs with others
– Climb in smaller groups
– Check if dogs are allowed
– Pull your ropes when finished, yell “rope” when pulling ropes
– Keep noise levels appropriate, no loud music/profanities
– Do not smoke around others
– Respect the “right of way” on multi-pitch/shared anchors

Respect Access
– Local access groups and volunteers have fought hard to keep climbing areas open. It is imperative that you be on best behaviour to keep it that way. Stay educated on climbing area access considerations
– Respect land owner rules or provincial/federal regulations
– Do not leave gear unless permitted
– Park considerately, carpool if possible
– Camp only in designated/permitted areas
– Respect area closures (seasonal/permanent)
– Pay required entrance fees/permits
– Get involved with local access coalitions
– Follow Transport Canada regulations for drone use

To enter the contest: “Share” the ‘Climbers’ Code‘ OR the www.rockrespect.ca website OR our IG/FB pages (@rockrespect) on your social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc) OR in an email to friends.

Then send an email to rockrespect.ca@gmail.com with “proof” of your support (screen shot, link, etc) and you will be entered into the Sterling Rope raffle.  There will be a draw for the winner on July 1, 2018.