Weekend Whipper: Climbing Helmets Exist for a Reason

Readers, please send your Weekend Whipper videos, information, and any lessons learned to Anthony Walsh, awalsh@outsideinc.com.

This week’s whipper is brought to you by Steve Pisano, on a techy 5.10b at Railay Beach, Thailand.

Pisano said he is “not the most experienced lead climber,” so he hired a local Thai guide for the day to show him the area and glean any tips. But Pisano, who often struggles with awkward clips, worked himself into a tight corner where he struggled to pass his rope through the quickdraw.

The problem? Pisano’s leg was also wrapped around the rope.

“In that moment,” Pisano says, “[the guide] knew I was struggling to make that clip, so I don’t think he was going to point it out. [But] I’m not so sure he would have pointed it out either way, to be honest.”

Pisano was already aware of his leg’s poor placement, but the awkward nature of the climb made it difficult to right himself while also clipping the bolt. Eventually he pumped off in a spectacular upside down fall.

“It looks painful but I had no scratches,” Pisano said. “Glad I had a helmet!”

Happy Friday, and be safe out there this weekend.

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