It’s a well known fact, that sufficient rest is important to all climbers. But it’s an equally well known problem, that most climbers have hard time resting enough. What on Earth to do when you want to go climbing, but should actually take a rest day!?
Well, repairing your climbing gear is one way to pass time. It’s good for you – and nature.
Keep on reading to find out four safe and sustainable ways to repair your climbing gear…
Clean and cut the rope
Unpack your rope and check, if it’s dirty. If you’ve been climbing outdoors, chances are the sheath is getting a bit dusty or sandy.
If your rope looks dirty, try cleaning it. Cleaning the rope every once in a while might lenghten it’s lifespan.
Climbing ropes are often replaced just because they look old – but actually still perform just fine. After cleaning your “old” rope might look brand new again.
In addition cleaning the sheath prevents sand and other particles getting in touch with the core of your rope. This saves the core from scuffing.
While you’re cleaning the rope, check it for any damage also. Often climbing ropes wear out over time especially close to the rope ends.
If you notice some alarming damage, cut off the suspicious parts. Even if you have to cut your precious 80 m rope in half, you’ll still have two good gym ropes!
Replace dodgy carabiners and slings
Carabiners and slings wear out over time. Dodgy carabiners and slings/dogbones should be removed from use immediately. However, perhaps you don’t have to bin the whole quickdraw.
Go through all your quickdraws on a rest day and check them for any damage. Then simply replace the parts that are not safe anymore.
In general all well equipped climbing shops sell carabiners and dogbones as spare parts. Cheap, safe and sustainable!
Send your shoes for resoling
Resoling climbing shoes saves money and environment. Normally resoling costs about three times less than brand new shoes. Do it before you see your toes!
If you don’t find a specialized shoemaker in your town, you can also send your climbing shoes to ShoeDOCTOR. While supporting your local shoemaker is obviously the most eco-friendly choise, on the other hand you want the resoling to be done right.
“Shoedoctor is a company which has been built on a family tradition of shoemaking. Our passion for climbing and the desire to expand our horizons prompted us to upgrade our skills and the experience of several generations of shoemakers.”
To minimize the carbon footprint, send several pairs at once. Many climbing gyms also offer collective resoling services!
GAISSA MEDIA 