Note on Projects

A Short Note on Projects

Why are we writing this note?

Rock climbing is becoming very popular and many people are coming to the sport as newcomers. This is a very good thing! However, not all those coming to the sport are familiar with some of the "ethics" of climbing outside.

There has recently been a spate of climbers "stealing" projects. It seems that this has been down to ignorance of climbing ethics rather than malice.

This note is about ethics and respecting Projects.

What is a Project?

A Project is the rock-climbing equivalent of a work-in-progress. It is a line, usually (but not always) on a sports crag, that has been prepared for its first ascent. This will mean that the climber(s) involved will have spent a considerable amount of time preparing the route. This may involve cleaning, removing loose rock and excess vegetation. In the case of sports climbs, this will also involve additional expense and time drilling and glueing fixed equipment; bolts, hangars, chains, etc..

Even when this work is completed, the owner of the project may require some time to complete what may be a very hard route. It may require lots of physical training and preparation. In the meantime, the climb may look tempting, but you should keep off.

How can I identify a project?

Projects should be identified as such on the Wiki. Otherwise, look out for newly cleaned rock where there is apparently no recorded climb. Sometimes you may also see hardware that has fixed in place.

Can I climb someone else's project?

No, you can't. At least not unless they give you permission. You should assume that any project you come across is closed unless you have solid information to the contrary. It's true that you won't end up in front of a magistrate if you go and climb it, but your fellow climbers will soon find out and you will probably find that you have made a lot of other climbers rather angry.

What if I supply my own hangars and do a bit of cleaning?

Still, the answer is, NO.

Can I climb projects that have been abandoned?

If a project has been abandoned, then you can climb it. The difficulty is often finding out who owns a project and confirming that the project has, indeed, been abandoned.

How can I find out who owns a project?

Ask around. Ask on the Wiki, at the local climbing wall or UKC. Ask local climbers, but do not climb it until you have contacted the owner and received his or her blessing.

What is an open project?

This is a line that has been prepared for its first ascent but the owner has declared that it is open for anyone to climb and claim the first ascent. This can happen when the owner gives up or loses interest in a closed project. Sometimes a climber generously cleans and prepares a route with the intention of it being an open project from the very start.

I got permission from the project owner, did some cleaning and climbed the route. What now?

Well done! Let us know on the Wiki please!