4 Tips for Talking to Other Climbers About Ethics
Calling out a stranger at the crag on their behavior can feel… awkward. While you may do your part to abide by The Climber’s Pact—staying on trail, packing everything out, and respecting area closures, etc—what happens when we see other climbers disregarding these practices?
We want you to be an upstander, not a bystander. This doesn’t mean being confrontational—it means starting a conversation kindly, in the spirit of camaraderie and education. Especially these days, as COVID-19 has sent a rush of people recreating outdoors, encouraging others to behave responsibly strengthens our commitment to the climbing environment and our commitment to each other.
Tips for Effective Upstanders
- Strike up a friendly conversation first. If you see someone acting in a way that damages the environment or threatens access, start with a friendly hello and build some rapport. Ask them where they are from and if they have climbed here before.
- Stand side-by-side instead of facing the person. This subtle body language queue is less confrontational and allows you to look at the problem together, making the conversation feel more casual.
- Take a “did you know?” approach. More often than not, the person has no idea that their behavior is damaging, so give them the benefit of the doubt and share your knowledge kindly.
- Suggest an alternate behavior. End the conversation by suggesting a more sustainable behavior and include the person, and yourself, in the solution.
These are not new ideas. Leave No Trace has been encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to leverage the Authority of the Resource technique for years to encourage responsible outdoor ethics.
Next time you see someone who isn’t following rules or responsible practices, challenge yourself to be an upstander and say something. It’s not as intimidating as you might think, and you may even make a new friend. To learn more about responsible outdoor climbing ethics check out the The Climber’s Pact.