Being a good spotter is as important as being a good belayer while road climbing. An attentive, positive and focused spotter is a true asset at any (inaudible) gym. From helping the climber choose appropriate problems to help him find the down climb. Your goal as a spotter is to act as the climber’s partner. Your main goal as a spotter is to help prevent climber injury at the base of the climb.
As Billy walks up the trail, he’s in search of his first problem of the day. A good spotter would greet him and offer advice and beta regarding the area in specific climbs they're familiar with. Billy, being excite is eager to top on any climb than looks good. This is not always the best idea. As an overdosed ego could cause serious injury, however, Billy is in luck this time as he has found a good spotter and scores some valuable advice.
As the climber to pass the climb, a good spotter will. Double check that the crash pads are in the best spot. Clear away any potential hazard from the landing area and line the pad, all pads, to the flat gap-free surface.
Next, the spotter clearly explains exactly how Billy can go off the boulder when he tops out. Most of the time the way of the boulder is easy to find, but good advice from a local should not be turned down.
Good spotting technique can mean a difference between a great bouldering session and injury to climber, spotter, or both. Here are a few tips to being a good spotter. Pay attention, it is easy to get distracted at a crowded crank or gym. Always keep your eyes on the climber. Follow the hips, follow the hips of your climber with both hands raised up, ready to catch some weight, pick him well the climber falls off. Aim for the hips. When your climber falls, clasp your hands around their waist just above the hips to help take weight off that impact.
As the climber progresses up the problem, key beta can be very helpful for route climbing and safety. You can assist in finding key hand holes, foot holes and sequences that might not be apparent while climbing. Keep in mind that not all climbers appreciate on one beta. Sticking at the puzzle of the sequence maybe their main goal.
This is a good example of really bad spotting. Look at his arms folded looking around. Now, he’s walking across the guide book, turning his back to the climber, looking at the pictures, still paying out totally no attention, whatsoever. As you could see the subsequent fall was really bad.
Explaining again what you want from the spotter that you don’t want to read the guide book. You want him to be watching where you're climbing, paying attention, making sure you're safe on the boulder problem.
As the climber finishes and tops out the problem, a good spotter will. Double check path placement as many problems end in a different direction than they started. Stay focused on the climber even if the climbing has become very easy. You never know when or how a climber will fall.
A system finding the correct and safest top out area of a positive encouragement. Once the climber has completed the problem, your job is not over. Sometimes locating the down climb and getting off the boulder can be as difficult as the climb itself. A good spotter would direct the climber to the correct down climb. Give beta during the down climb and bring it crux back over if necessary.
One last note, good spotting is not just a physical attribute, but a mental one as well providing positive encouragement throughout the climber’s progress. We’re not in any good friendships, but it will ensure that you have a trusted spotter when it's your turn to climb. And if nothing else that will bring you good karma and good karma is always helpful.
Transcription by:
Scribe4you Transcription Services