3 Ways to Escape a Climbing Belay on Moderate Terrain

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I’m old enough that my first instruction in multiplication was done by memorization. We memorized every permutation of two digit multiplication from 0 through 12: so, 0 x 0 all the way through 12 x 12. Fine. The idea is that we have instant recall of some of the most common factors we will need in daily life.

It was only after the memorization that we were exposed to the concept: sets of things. If we have a dozen cartons each of a dozen eggs in each carton, well that’s 12 x 12. All multiplication is is x sets of y things per set.

Obviously.

My kids were taught in the opposite direction of concepts. They were first explained the principle behind multiplication, sets of things, then explained why memorizing a commonly recurring set of simple multiplication will make their lives easier.

My point is the pedagogy changed. There was a realization that if we teach by “rules” then people often don’t gain the mental agility to apply a concept to a new situation What happens when someone asks me 20 x 20? It’s beyond what I memorized, but can I get to a quick answer rather than having to write it out longhand? If I get the concepts, I can say, “well, that’s twenty containers each with twenty things. What if I had 10 containers of twenty things? That’d be 200. Well, I have double that; so, 400.”

I know, super simple. But try to remember back to when you (or if you have kids, now) had to learn this. 20 x 20 wasn’t always simple. And the concepts, rather than the memorization, makes is simpler. Basically, how can you memorize everything? It’s impossible.

So, this is where I see outdoor education go wrong somewhat frequently. There are lots or reasons I see rule-based or step-by-step process based instruction. Often times, and instructor might only have a few hours with the client or student, and if the goal is to have the student be able to competently use a new technique, then most of the time is dedicated to demonstrating, then overseeing practice of that technique.

If we learn a step-by-step process using a certain set of materials, let’s say, what happens when we don’t have those materials on us? Can we improvise? Do we understand what materials might make a good substitute and which will not (e.g. don’t use Dyneema as a rappel backup/third-hand because of the material’s low melting point). Or, from this video, do we know to create an anchor that can statically handle a rescue load when the original setup relies upon tension? Would we recognize that risk? Would we be able to make an informed decision to accept that risk or mitigate through another anchor build (or an addition to the current anchor).

Principles are more adaptive than processes, and climbing demands high adaptability.