Weekend Whipper: A Reminder to Not Let the Rope Get Behind Your Leg

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

Folks, it’s never too early (or late, or repetitive) to be reminded that flipping upside down is one of the worst ways to experience a rock climb. Just ask Michael Leathers, who was trying Incinerator (5.12a) in Holcomb Valley, CA, and flipped upside down trying to latch a distant jug.

Mountain Project describes Incinerator as “super fun and well-protected, this is popular to finish the day or oneself on.” Unfortunately, Leathers seemed to take the latter advice too literally, and flicked his foot behind the rope for a relatively violent short fall. (A softer catch may have helped too, but alas.)

While Leathers was totally fine, we’d recommend he keep it tight during his future dynos.

Happy Friday, and be safe out there this weekend.

Watch More Weekend Whippers:

• Punching It to the Chains (Or Trying To) Over Tiny Trad Gear
• Skipped Clip Sends Climber For Inverted Ride
• Blood-curdling Scream Down Razor Arête