Climbing and the Environment
San Diego is full of people who love the outdoors and regularly visit local backcountry areas. As this user base grows, we must be increasingly mindful of our impact on the environment, and as responsible outdoor recreationists, minimize our impact. Below are five simple recommendations that serve as a foundation for responsible stewardship when visiting the wild and scenic areas of San Diego and beyond.
Rock Climbing 101
What is Rock Climbing?
If you’re already a climber, this question might seem obvious. But, to the general population, climbing is still an abstract and “crazy” activity. This outline is intended to educate the public on what it is that climbers actually do, and to help dispel some of the common misconception about the sport of rock climbing.
Rock climbing is simply the act of climbing a face of rock that is steep and technical enough to require the added safety of ropes and protection. There are many different types and styles of rock climbing which will be discussed below, however the basic concepts and logistics hold true for all of them.
Bolt Replacement
San Diego is plagued with outdated and dangerous climbing anchors. Most of San Diego’s climbing areas were established in excess of 30 years ago and are in desperate need of updating. Due to insurance and liability reasons, ACSD regrets that it cannot, itself, engage in climbing anchor replacement. We would, however, like to recognize and report some good deeds that have been accomplished lately. Some members of the climbing community have received new hardware from the American Safe Climbing Association (ASCA) and have been replacing old bolts and hangers where necessary. So far this year approximately 40 old anchors have been replaced at Mt. Woodson. This is only the tip of the iceberg. Part of ACSDs mission is to promote safe climbing. Therefore, we will engage in fundraising efforts to donate to the ASCA so they can further their much needed work and continue to support the efforts of local climbers willing to do the work necessary to keep others safe!
If you come across what appear to be unsafe anchors while climbing, please let us know so we can spread the word by posting the information on our web site. Though nothing stated anywhere on ACSD's web site relieves any climbers of complete responsibility for their own safety, here are a few tips offered by a local climber who has been helping with the bolt replacement:
