Bowles

Sandstone Climbing tips

Southern Sandstone has a hard crust but is soft underneath. The crust can erode quickly so climbers need to look after the rock. Local climbers have developed a code of practice.

Bowles climbing code of practice

When setting up a climb, extend the top Karabiner over the edge of the cliff and ensure moving ropes don’t come into contact with the rock.
Use static ropes or slings when setting up your climbs. Dynamic rope will damage the rock.
Finish the climbs by ‘topping out’ and refrain from lowering off.
Do not chip or damage the rock in any way.
Resin is not permitted. Please use chalk sparingly and clean off by hitting a soft rag against the holds. The use of brushes is not encouraged.
Please use a carpet and bouldering mat to clean your feet before climbing. Sandy feet can cause a lot of damage to the soft rock.
Abseiling is not permitted. You may see Bowles staff running abseiling sessions in two specially designed places on the rock. Please do not copy or use their ropes.
People climbing under 18 years of age is only allowed if that person is supervised by their parent or guardian. Qualified staff that have been approved by Bowles may also supervise under 18 year olds.

Setting up sandstone climbs

Use a rigging rope to set up climbs

A static rope allows you to set up climbs without having to link slings together.

protect your rope

use a carpet to protect your rigging rope and the rock.

link slings with krabs or use a rigging rope

linking slings together using girth hitches will weaken the sling by 50%. Watch out for krabs un-screwing and opening on edges.

Sandstone Climbing tips

Bowles climbing code of practice

Setting up sandstone climbs

Use a rigging rope to set up climbs A static rope allows you to set up climbs without having to link slings together.

protect your rope use a carpet to protect your rigging rope and the rock.

link slings with krabs or use a rigging rope linking slings together using girth hitches will weaken the sling by 50%. Watch out for krabs un-screwing and opening on edges.

Correct placement of krabs Never place your krabs on an edge as this will cause them to bend and break.

Use a rigging rope to set up climbs

A static rope allows you to set up climbs without having to link slings together.

protect your rope

use a carpet to protect your rigging rope and the rock.

link slings with krabs or use a rigging rope

linking slings together using girth hitches will weaken the sling by 50%. Watch out for krabs un-screwing and opening on edges.

Correct placement of krabs
Never place your krabs on an edge as this will cause them to bend and break.