Rockclimber’s motivations for participation, their stewardship of cliff environments, and access issues

The growth of participation in recreational rockclimbing is increasing the impacts on cliff environments and creating access issues. An online survey (N = 239) was conducted across Australia to establish rockclimbers’ motivations for participation, and the importance of, and care for, cliff environments. Respondents had a broad spread of ages, more males than females, and participated in sport climbing, traditional climbing and bouldering. Thematic analysis was used with the qualitative responses to open-ended questions and themes were identified. Data suggests that the environment was important to 95 per cent of respondents and 63 per cent indicated that participating in rockclimbing had spiritual, meditative, or nature benefits. This contradicts common views of rockclimbers as hedonistic, reckless, risk-takers. Furthermore, the stewardship practices identified demonstrates the respondents’ commitment to caring for cliff environments. However, access issues may persist if increased numbers of rockclimbers impact the conservation of natural and cultural values. The implications for outdoor education are also discussed.