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2020 Pending Review

Climber Kayak Strap Harness Fail

https://gripped.com/news/rock-climber-dies-after-kayak-strap-harness-breaks/

https://gripped.com/news/rock-climber-dies-after-kayak-strap-harness-breaks/

"...While he was leading high up on Dead Sea Equestrian Wall, it seemed that what appeared to be his harness was sitting low and not very tight. His partner later explained during the rescue that the injured climber had forgotten his true harness and had fashioned one out of “kayak straps additionally secured with a leather belt”. It appeared that the makeshift harness broke along with the belt, leading to the fall... The climber was a male in his 60s who had been climbing for a number of years. He had, sadly, been offered a safer alternative by other climbers who saw him in the parking lot, but he opted to use his own straps and belt.

The obvious takeaway is that you should only ever use a UIAA certified harness.

Submitted on 10/14/2020

Submitted by: Robin Sullivan
Reference: https://gripped.com/news/rock-climber-dies-after-kayak-strap-harness-breaks/ 10_1_2020

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>> Moderator Scores <<

Bruce said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
I have no idea what UIAA is, but using a makeshift harness when rock climbing sounds extremely sketchy to me. Thanks, Robin!


James said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
UIAA = International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation, who certify safe-to-use gear. What puts this one over the top is the fact that others offered safer harnesses, but he knew better than they, didn't he? Thanks, Robin!