Experts advise those taking to UAE mountains after climber death

Jack Snowden, 22, died after falling from Jebel Jais last Saturday and experts have been keen to express how climbers, hikers and campers need to should have the knowledge and equipment they need.

A climber tackles a section of Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE's highest peak. Christopher Pike / The National

RAS AL KHAIMAH // Climbing experts have offered advice to those heading for the great outdoors this winter in the wake of a climber falling to his death last weekend.

Briton Jack Snowden, 22, died after falling from Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, last Saturday and experts have been keen to express how climbers, hikers and campers need to should have the knowledge and equipment they need.

“The mountains are not dangerous. However, climbers, hikers and campers must have the skills and experience to understand the risks, and people without proper knowledge can easily find themselves getting into difficulties very quickly,” said Simon Cahill, a rock climbing instructor.

Mr Cahill said that the most important skills that climbers need to have are to be able to assess risks and put in place controls to have a safe and enjoyable time.

“Remember the UAE desert and mountains are wilderness areas with extreme weather conditions. Only venture out on activities that are within your capability,” he said.

“Hikers and climbers should be properly equipped for the terrain and climate conditions and have appropriate experience and, if you don’t have the knowledge and experience, go with someone who does.”

Pete Aldwinckle, general manager at Global Climbing in Dubai, said that people need to understand that the mountains in the Arabian Peninsula are particularly harsh.

“There is a significant mass of rocky mountains and the rocks are extremely sharp,” he said.

“From the moment you leave your car, you have to be self-sufficient and well-prepared, and people have to be realistic about their own capabilities and their experiences. The questions that they need to ask themselves is: what are they planning to do? Are they prepared for it? Do they have the skills and experience needed to take on the adventure they have planned?”

Toufic Abou Nader, from Lebanon, who has been climbing for 10 years, said that the mountainous areas of the UAE are great fun but that they can be dangerous of people are negligent.

“It is really beautiful and most rock climbers enjoy these type of rocks. In general, all rocks are dangerous if they are taken lightly,” said Mr Abou Nader, a freelancer in sports and experiential marketing.

“Danger is a relative factor that varies from one climber to another. Some climbers are more confident on the rocks than others.”

The 30-year-old said it is important to understand that climbers are bending nature’s rules by doing what they do, and that is why they should always approach the sport with respect.

“Part of climbing is being exposed to high-altitude cliffs, therefore rock-climbing safety measurements should always be applied by climbers,” he said. “Failing to do so might put the climber and other people in dangerous situations.”

Mr Abou Nader said that climbing equipment varies depending on the type of ascent but all climbers must have rope, harness, helmet, shoes, belaying devices and gear.

“Climbers should always check their gear’s status on a regular basis, always wear a helmet, always climb in a pair,” he added. “It is handy to keep a satellite phone with them since there is very low mobile network in the mountains and never take any element for granted because a few things can go wrong at any time, so always be alert.”