Fall while free soloing

Related to a post of mine recently regarding "ego"... this is one such instance where a person's "ego" will cloud their judgment. Also, it's obvious no one in the group has any BASIC MEDICAL TRAINING... which surprises me since it's technically a high risk activity and there's several people involved.

So, let's hope to learn something from this:

1. don't let your ego get you into trouble
2. take a WFR... it might save a friends life (or in this case, ability to walk in the future)

Somebody mentioned that the belayer of the woman climbing to the left after the fall has both hands off the belay device. If you look really close, it's actually a rescue 8 and the rope is in one of the lock-off positions. Still not a good idea to take your hand off but he at least seems like less of a dope than on initial glance.

Good point about none of those folks having any real medical background. Even a WFR would never have let him walk around like that right away. There is more than sufficient mechanism for a spinal injury here. A WFR would have done a head to toe exam and taken several sets of vitals over the next 20 minutes or so and perhaps even used the spine clearing protocol. Perhaps they would have determined that he was indeed as ok as he seemed to indicate but a medic would never want to start with the patient's statement of being ok after such a fall.

Is it just me or does dude look like Lloyd from Dumb and Dumber? And from the sounds of his comment about Bachar he didn't if know much about him.

Sorry guys, I think he's fine. (notwithstanding the whole ethics/purists debate) Though, yes, taking a woofer is a great idea; if time doesn't allow, at least a woof'a.

What a fucking disgrace to the climbing community, I kind of want to strangle that guy with his own rope.

This is somewhat predictable when you watch him climb the beginning. Testing and retesting every foothold insecurely, wearing a harness with draws dangling probably didn't help, having to contend with the rope sure isn't going to make it easy to be exactly where you want to be, chalk ball falls out (loose chalk would make it easier and quicker to chalk up).

He didn't respect the climb, and he even looks like he knows that. No shame in down-climbing when you realize you aren't mentally in it, or maybe feeling a little less than strong that day. Maybe he would have if there hadn't been chicks and cameras around.

I don't personally think free soloing is a good idea, but it's amazing to watch Bachar climb. He's so static and focused and looks like he's never felt a pump. Then there's this guy. Pretty different.

Dave Cummings wrote: Bacher said that soloing is like Darwin said. The dumb ones die. So surprising he didn't. If he is smart at all he will quit soloing because it is not his game.

Not to Dis Bacher here but if that is a true quote of his, it is certainly ironic John died soloing and this guy didn't. what would this imply about John. Personally I think John was wrong it has nothing to do with Darwinism or stupidity... I think it is more about fate or ill fate...

John was a very talented climber and no one really knows what happened to him other than he died doing what he loved.

It is what it is, anyone can have a bad day.

Ft Pierce, eh? used to skip school and surf there quite a bit. Though Hobe Sound was my favorite.

He DOES look like Lloyd from Dumb and Dumber! LOL

phillip wrote:"Look at the intensity in his eyes- He's ready to go!" Um... yeah... DOWN!

Best comment of the day! That dude was so set up for a fall.

If you watch closely, he gives up on his hand hold and reaches for the rope. To me it looks like he wouldn't have fallen it the rope hadn't been there. The rope was a mental crutch that he should never had placed. Letting go (mentally or physically) should have not been an option.

Mark, I grew up here... But I was living in SoCal until this year, I hope to be back out there by next year, or at least someplace with climbing...

We all laugh, however, his falls are well known!
In Germany, he's a household name, much like David Hasselhoff!
youtube.com/watch?v=JfKQIpV…;feature=related

Here he is again, however, I can't seem to link this one.
Paste this into your browser or go to youtube and type in:

Invincible Man Falling Down Stairs. Fake?

youtube.com/user/PhatZander…

JF

Andy Laakmann wrote: DAMN IT Buff! It took 3 days to get that song out of my head. And now it's back.

I love that song..gotta go check that link and watch it again now. Thanks!

caughtinside wrote:listening to him talk about bachar was the most painful part.

Agreed.

I think this is the same guy in his youth less the wool cap and jeans.

youtube.com/watch?v=9_KsZB9…

Oh to be young and stupid.