“No use of toothbrushes or bouldering brushes.”
With potential wording tweaks, this is the general message that may well be pushed through for the sandstone code of practice at the next Southern Sandstone open meeting on Sunday 23rd October 2016.The use of tooth and bouldering brushes on sandstone has become an increasing issue in recent times as holds become damaged and in need of repair.
Many people use them to clean chalk from holds and excess sand that may accumulate after rain etc, but the abrasive nature of them is causing damage and rendering many holds unusable.
Chalk is also being plastered over heavily worked and popular problems, increasing the need for excess and repetitive cleaning.
Climbers need to look to cut down on chalk considerably when bouldering and look at alternatives such as the Eco ball. Eco balls create better contact with the rock as there is no additional residue on your hands and they leave little or no trace on the rock and require next to no cleaning at all.
If cleaning is required then use a soft cloth, blow or use an alternative soft cleaning method.
What do you think the rule should be?
“Use only a soft cloth gently. No use of toothbrushes or bouldering brushes.”
“Use only a soft cloth or soft head cleaning brush. No use of toothbrushes or bouldering brushes.”
Add your ideas at the meeting on Sunday and help shape the future of sandstone climbing!
The meeting is this Sunday 23rd October 2016, 6.30pm at Bowles Rocks bar.
