Also
climbing on
The Sharp end. In the
early days of climbing (1880's - 1940's),
there was not way to secure the leader to
the
rock. He would tie a hawser rope
around his waist and his seconds (the people
climbing after him) would be tied to the other end
of the rope. If the leader fell it potentially
fatal for the entire party. The term
"the leader must not fall" came into existence.
Over time much climbing terms was invented to help
secure the leader against a fall.
Some modern trad climbs have poor
gear and if the leader falls he may well take
his second with him. Guides to these climbs
usually contain that old piece of advice "the leader must not fall"