Mastering the art of down - climbing also eliminates the need for piton protection while leading -- the climber 's skill and self - confidence is his protection .
So Preuss advocated teaching and practicing down - climbing .
Mastering the art of down - climbing also eliminates the need for piton protection while leading -- the climber 's skill and self - confidence is Preuss ' protection .
So Preuss advocated teaching and practicing down - climbing .