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mreardon
Nov 1, 2002, 10:46 PM
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Okay, I'm a guy and this is a woman's forum, but something happened a couple weeks ago and I could use a little advice.
My wife and I were bouldering at the local area a couple weeks ago with the usual suspects. Now I come from the old school of bouldering (pre-crashpads - shudder) where the spotter truly spots by taking some of the weight off the climber during a crater. Unlike most spotters from the gyms, this means getting under the climber and guiding them to the pad. And yes the hands end up on the butt and hips at times (merely pushing someone's shoulders rarely does the trick, especially on a highball). Now with the regular crew, we don't think twice about catching someone (guys and girls alike), but someone new came along and when she was about 10 feet up, I stepped in to catch. Sure enough she flew off and I guided her to her pad with my hands on her hips. The look I got! You'd think she was going to call the cops!
I immediately found myself trying to explain that I was merely spotting and no matter what I said, it came out wrong and just buried me. She grabbed her pad and moved on shortly after. Of course this caused a serious round of laughter from the crew and "scolding" from my wife, with everyone in agreement that I had done the right thing. She might not have gotten hurt, but just sitting idly by and waiting for her to deck is not how we operate.
So did I need to apologize and explain as I had? And how can I avoid this headache in the future.
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maculated
Nov 2, 2002, 3:37 AM
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You should apologize to her for violating HER rules. You did the right thing.
In the future, when spotting, warn the person that that's your method. I always tell people that I'm someone who likes to get a firm grasp on those butt cheeks when they come off. Most are stoked for my superior spotting.
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eowyn1025
Nov 2, 2002, 4:23 AM
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hmm...don't worry about it. you could've just let her fall and she would have given you a dirty look then too so she's probably the type who's bound and determined to be ticked no matter what. probably should warn girls first though so they don't freak out...you did your job, don't sweat it.
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nikegirl
Nov 2, 2002, 5:40 AM
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I had a couple of situations that I felt I had not been spotted "correctly"...and wanted to truthfully know why...I posted here:
Men: Are you afraid to spot a Girl???
I was peeved that I had not been caught as I was told i would be...
I wondered if it was cuz, i was a female...that the spotter hadn't followed thru with spotting.
I was so frustrated to be injured. I still find that I am frustrated by the lack of good spotting...
I get mental...freeze on a highball, if I know I'm not being spotted correctly. It'll make of break if I'm gonna send.
It still effects me. I think it's subtly froze me as a move forward in my bouldering.
If I'm handled from a good spot??...I am aware of my request and the implications of ...'"SPOT ME"...you will get no looks, nor any apology needed. I might laugh at the nervous "sorry"...
I say " no worries"
onto the next .
mreardon: I'd not worry...most know what spotting entails.
T
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katydid
Nov 2, 2002, 1:06 PM
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Well, I was gonna add something, but it's already been said.
My two cents: I'd rather have someone spot me than miss the pad and break my ankle. I don't care their gender, and as long as they're helping me make it down safely, they're OK people by me.
My first time bouldering I was on a problem where I realized if I let go with one hand I was going to fall on either my back or my head. Reg (raganwald from this site) was kind enough (and TALL enough!) to put his hands on my hips to take some of my weight off so I could move without falling. I knew it wasn't foward, and I was incredibly thankful.
Some people are just weird. Maybe she had some guy grab her the "wrong" way at some point and is jumpy, which is something you have no control over. I wouldn't lose sleep over it.
Kate
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thomasribiere
Nov 2, 2002, 1:23 PM
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I just don't see how one can boulder without being tight insured (spotted?). This is the way we do here, just taking the hips (not the butt!) and trying to direct the fall gently to the ground.
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lilred
Nov 2, 2002, 5:52 PM
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Man, people are so silly sometimes...
YES you did the right thing. If I was there with you when that happend I would have bitch-slapped that girl.
I've come off of high-balls (10 ft +)and had several spots catch me in awkward places...the best is when you get up after falling, dust yourself off, and notice two chalk hand-prints perfectly placed over each boobage!
I can't see how one can grab the hips when someone is falling at a high speed...Its easier to slow the fall by assisting the faller on the tush.
My thoughts
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bigevilgrape
Nov 3, 2002, 2:57 AM
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im sick of girls being overly sensitive about where their spotters touch them. your spotter is there to do a job, and after all its just skin.
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freudian
Nov 3, 2002, 7:09 PM
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Dude:
You did the right thing. Im not sure if you were her designated spotter, or what... but guy or girl, if someone's falling off a boulder problem, grab or support them anywhere that will reduce their impact. Im a straight male... and I'd rather have a non-straight guy support me by the ass to guide my fall than to have him let me smack on the ground and result in possible injury.
Girls who give dirty looks or don't appreciate being properly spotted on a boulder problem... i dunno ... they obviously have some issues. If you are bouldering, you know you need to be spotted and that there is a chance some guy's gonna grab your ass, or other parts of your body.
Freudian
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tanner
Nov 4, 2002, 6:41 AM
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I think its a little stupid how some girls get all intence about having a guy spot them. The purpose of a spotter is to keep the climber safe. Not keep the climber safe only when you can catch her hips. spotting is not a Sexual thing, its a save you ass from hitting the ground hard thing. I'm a Guy and the next time I spot a girl I tell them I will do what ever it take to keep them safe. And If they still want to climb great If they don't Fine.
What would you think if you read: Bolderer paralized because a good spot was not posable with out potentaly grazing her breast. Spotter said he decided not to catch her because she would not like that.
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kcrag
Nov 4, 2002, 11:43 PM
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Michael,
Keep spotting the way you do. The woman you offended obviously doesn't appreciate a great spotter. When I'm boldering and pop off the rock, I expect to feel at least one hand on my rump to lessen the impact. That's how I learned how to spot (from Dimit), and in my opinion, is how it should be.
Good thing she's not a regular bouldering partner. Sounds like she's a little uptight!
See you again sometime soon out in J-tree. You're a great climber/boulderer. I'd feel safe (well, as safe as you can get bouldering) having you spot me, anytime!
-kelly
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mreardon
Nov 12, 2002, 12:11 AM
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Sorry it took a bit to respond back. Been away at Josh for a week (sent some stuff, got my ass handed completely on other - typical week away!). Thanks for the responses. It obviously didn't have me too concerned because I'd rather get the nasty look and spare an ankle then be responsible for a crater, but still wanted to get another opinion from the other side.
Thanks.
Hey Kelly, just waiting for you stop with your extended hikes and get your butt out here for a spotting session! Lots of sends just waiting for you so hurry up and pack the bags girl!
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holdplease2
Dec 23, 2002, 2:53 AM
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Just can't help but smile, the guy who posted the initial question has the word "rear" in his name.
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bouldertoad
Dec 27, 2002, 6:06 AM
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I have been lucky enough to never have gotten dirty looks from spotting women. I spot people the best way that prevents them from injuring themselves. At times this may be grabbing by the hips or under the arms or whatever. I have this female friend who actually complemented me on my spotting ability even though i grabbed her by the hips. She said she was happy to have someon who is willing to actually spot and not just act like it. Now I will admit my wife is not totally comfortable with the idea of me grabbing tight short and sport bra wearing women but she accepts the fact and would expect someone to do the same for her if i was not there....
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rosemom3
Dec 29, 2002, 2:29 AM
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Do you mean I have the option of being touched? Most guys seem so sensitive about where they might touch me I avoid bouldering (except at the gym) for fear of falling. Only one guy has "helped" by holding up my hips on a overhang. I was incredibly grateful for the help as it allowed me to work out the moves despite my pumped out forearms. I should mention we were dating at the time. I really don't mind a couple of hands on my rear end or wherever if it means I won't get injured or it helps me get the technique I'm working on down. The obvious thing would be to just ask a girl if she wants more help or not. Now that I know what's going on I will be more expicit in the future.
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choppie
Dec 30, 2002, 3:56 AM
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With a hot chick it is best to tell her you are an expert spotter, (b4 trying to cop a feel.) Tell her you have spotted Sharma,
that usually works........
yelling "fall!!fall!!" with your hands hovering about her naughty bits is a little transparent, subtle encouragement and weak beta are a much better guise
[ This Message was edited by: choppie on 2002-12-29 19:57 ]
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swohletz
Dec 30, 2002, 5:47 AM
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I would also rather be spotted well and don't feel weird about being touched wherever necessary to do so. I feel much safer and am able to boulder more confidently when I know my spotter is not afraid to do whatever they can to keep me safe. In the gym I wouldn't mind the help on hard problems too. That would help me improve my climbing big time. I don't think you did anything wrong...next time maybe you can just have a woman spot her. Some women are uncomfortable with this stuff....for various reasons
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locorogue
Dec 30, 2002, 6:31 AM
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Registered: Dec 26, 2002
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Political correctness in climbing, wow, is this country doomed or what???
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