As Darwin's theory states, human have evolved over time and developed an ingenuity that allows them to surpass their physical limitations. This has further evolved to to the point where overcoming these obstacles has reaches the point of recreational activity.

Such as rock cimbing.

Now, a common form of rock climbing involves what is referred to as Top roping, or a Yo-Yp Belay, where the rop is fed from the bottom of the cliff to the anchor at the top, and finally attaching to the climber. The belayers job is to pull up slack, preventing the climber from complying fully with the laws of Gravity when they fall.

Most people of common sense would think, that given that your belayer is keeping you safe, you would return the favor.

Unfortunately, the only thing common about common sense, is how uncommon it is.

I was in Red Rocks Nevada, climbing with two friends, Rob and Tom.

I was serving as Belayer for Tom, who was navagating a particular stretch of cliff, Rob, as the most experienced climber, was giving helpful advice from the bottom regarding foot placement and approach.

As often happens, Tom reached a stretch where he could no longer proceed. Rob told him to grab the rather large rock to his left and pull himself up.

Instead of ignouring the advice and finding his own route, or asking to be lowered Tom began to argue with Rob about whether the rock was stable.

after about fifteen minutes, Tom let out a frustrated 'I'll show you!', and tugged on the rock, hurling it down the cliffface.

At me.

I managed to sidestep, but came within six inches of having my right shoulder (I also was holding the rope on belay with my right hand) crushed by a 6x6x18 ich chunk of rock with 40 ft worth of acceleration behind it.

Now, common sense is if you nearly severly injure someone, you apologize, especially when said person is holding you 40 ft off the ground.

Not so Tom.

He looked over his shoulder at Rob and said in a pissed off whiny voice 'See? i told you it was loose.'

I somehow overcame what were, at the moment, my fondest desires, an neither dropped him, or left him up there on his own.

Submitted on 09/18/2006

Submitted by: Anonymous
Reference:

Copyright © 2006 DarwinAwards.com

James said:
Neutral: Personal Account
While not quite the greatest example of stupidity, this is certainly an example of arrogance! It was also a reasonably amusing PA. I'll keep it; perhaps my fellow mods may agree!

Sheryl said:
Neutral: Personal Account
Thanks for the story. I rather liked this. Endangering the person your life may depend on is stupid. Personally, I'd have left him there (well, no, I wouldn't but I'd have let him have a piece of my mind!!).

Fitzroy said:
Maybe Toss: Bystanders Hurt
My logic may be convoluted here, but I'm thinking that if this had gone the way of a full blown Darwin Award, the bystander rule would have been violated. Thus it was a near miss at being a stupid death, but not a near miss at being DA eligible. That said, my feelings are not overwhelming strong here, and certainly the submission is appreciated.

Jorge said:
Definitely Keep: Personal Account
As a climber myself I STRONGLY recommend you to change your climbing partners.

Graham said:
Neutral: Personal Account
Rocks and humans just do not mix, but in this case, I'd put some SERIOUS distance between myself and my climbing 'partners'. What will dear Tom do next time I wonder? A good story though

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