O papel do equipador na prática e gestão da escalada em rocha

Abstract

Nature sports practice has become a major social phenomenon in recent years, and has been increasingly associated with tourism, leisure and nature. Nature sports are engaging an increasing number of practitoners, who require organization, structure and specific conditions to practice their sport in an organized and safe manner. Among nature sports, rock climbing has been developing rapidly, and its development has primarily depended on the work of the bolters (Bertuzzi, 2013; Kuelthau, 2018; Rendueles, 2015, Caber & Albayrak, 2016). Bolters are the climbers who drill bolts into the rock face to provide the primary means of protection to sport climbing. This study aims to verify the role of bolters on the practice and management of rock climbing, and how the relationship with other key actors influences the bolter's activity. With an exploratory and descriptive objective, this study used a qualitative research methodolgy to investage the role of bolters in sport climbing. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken in accordance with Tracy (2020). Five interviews were conducted with active bolters in Brazil, and selected according to Rendueles (2015). The interviews were transcribed verbatim and the data coded, organized, and categorized using Maxqda 2020 software (Corbin & Strauss, 2008; Glaser & Anselm L, 1967). The results found that bolters are managers, necessary for the practice, development, maintenance and management of sport climbing. They assume a role that goes far beyond the original responsibilities of bolting climbing routes. The bolters stand in a central position between several of rock climbing's key actors. They provide efficient relations with private territories and their managers, as well as with informal or formal associated climbers, and actively arbitrator between climbers and landowners in conflict management. This study, therefore, contributes to both the practice and management of rock climbing, by understanding the perspective of the bolter and their role in being a central element for practioners, managers, and landowners. Further research should also consider the role of other key actors in nature sports and rock climbing. Key