Multipitch routes Wings for Life (2008) and Wild Country (2010) are the most popular long routes on Kalymnos/Telendos, with fantastic, moderately easy, well-protected climbing. The bolts, however (made by ex-manufacturer Rockland), have deteriorated to the point of being downright scary. The good news is that Wings for Life and Wild Country will both be rebolted within the year. Until then, we would strongly urge climbers not to climb them. There are several other really good multipitches in Kalymnos and Telendos to try in the meantime; there is a list of the newer ones here.
 
 
• Yesterday’s Accident & Rescue
 
The Kalymnos Rescue Service was called to sector Spartan Wall yesterday to assist an injured climber. The climber fell to the ground because the rope was not long enough and there was no stopper knot to prevent it from going through the belay device; thankfully, he suffered minor injuries. When it comes to climbing accidents in Kalymnos, failure to make a knot in the loose end of the rope is the usual suspect. It continues to be the most common cause of climbing accidents on the island. And it’s unfortunate, because these accidents are 100% preventable and a simple knot takes no more than three seconds to tie. Yesterday’s injured climber at Spartan Wall was very lucky, but one must never take luck for granted. So please tie a knot in the end of your rope every single time you climb, even if you know your rope is long enough.
 
This is the Kalymnos Rescue Team’s account of the accident:
 
“The season started in a rough way for the team, as they were called today to rescue at the Spartan Wall, a sector hard to reach. A climber fell 4-5 meters after a running out of the rope and a lack of the safety knot at the end of it…he was extremely lucky to end up only with minor injuries and some stitches on the head. The team was called at 11:20 am, on a working day, and at 12:50 he was being delivered to the ambulance. 8 volunteers left their jobs and ran to the point. The climbers had no idea of our existence, but they showed us immediately their gratitude by thanking us and donating for the team. We return our gratitude to them, and to all of them who support this effort!! We need your help to keep going on!!”
 
The Rescue Service has also posted some photos from yesterday’s rescue operation.
 
 
• Lastly, on a lighter note, many thanks to The Traveling Climber for the writeup in their new “guidebooks” feature, as well as their other informative and entertaining posts about Kalymnos.
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