How to Big Wall Climb Want to Climb the Nose of El Capitan?

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

How to Big Wall Climb Want to Climb the Nose of El Capitan? How to Big Wall Climb How to Big Wall Want to Climb The Nose of El Capitan? This is the first step-by-step aid climbing guide that takes you from your first step in an aider to the summit of El Capitan. Like anything worthwhile, big wall climbing requires hard work. That said, it’s not that difficult to get to the top of Yosemite’s El Capitan, the top prize of the world’s rock climbers. To scale El Cap you only have to free HOW TO climb 5.9 and know very basic aid climbing How to skills. The daunting challenge is to put those skills together efficiently, a trick most climbers never master. That is where this book comes in. It’s the first How To big wall book specifically BIG WALL organized and clearly designed to address the process of building big wall skills, step by step. Big Wall Climb Author Chris McNamara has climbed El Cap more than 70 times and has set several speed records there. He has climbed more than 100 CLIMB big walls, is a noted wingsuit BASE jumper and is the founder/CEO of SuperTopo, publisher of highly-regarded climbing guides for areas ranging from Alaska to Red Rocks with special attention to Yosemite. If you are a reasonably good climber psyched to do El Cap or a similar bad ass big wall, you probably can do it. Each week read a new chapter in this book and follow instructions. The objective The prize Climb The Nose of El Capitan (or similar bad ass Climbing El Cap and enjoying the process. Chris McNamara big wall). How to start Who can climb El Cap Read this book, borrow or buy the necessary big Anyone who can free climb 5.8 and master basic wall gear. aid skills. And who is psyched! Guidelines The cost Your instructions are simple: Every week, open The cost of this book and ingenuity to borrow the book to the next chapter and get ‘er done! Chris McNamara the gear you need. Time commitment Two to six months, depending on how badly you want to climb a big wall. ISBN 978-0-9833225-1-1 90000 > 9 780983 322511 CHAPTER TITLE Ammon McNeely makes the first move on one of the cleanest corners on El Capitan: Pitch 13 of Horse Chute Photo: Chris McNamara 2 FOR CURRENT GEAR INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.SUPERTOPO.COM How to Big Wall Climb by Chris McNamara Warning Climbing is an inherently dangerous sport in which severe injuries or death may occur. Relying on the information in this book may increase the danger. When climbing you can only rely on your skill, training, experience, and conditioning. If you have any doubts as to your ability to safely use any information in this book, do not try it. This book is neither a professional climbing instructor nor a substitute for one. It contains information that is nothing more than a compilation of opinions about climbing. These opinions are neither facts nor promises. Treat the information as opinions and nothing more. Do not substitute these opinions for your own common sense and experience. Assumption of Risk There may be errors in this book resulting from the mistakes of the author and/or the people with whom he consulted. The information was gathered from a variety of sources, which may not have been independently verified. Those who provided the information may have made mistakes in their descriptions. The author may have made mistakes in their conveyance of the information in this book. The author cannot, therefore, guarantee the correctness of any of the information contained in this book. The suggestions about equipment, technique, and other matters may be incorrect or misleading. You must keep in mind that the information in this book may be erroneous, so use your own judgement when using information described in this book. DO NOT USE THIS BOOK UNLESS YOU [AND YOUR ESTATE] PROMISE NEVER TO TRY TO SUE US IF YOU GET HURT OR KILLED. Disclaimer of Warranties THE AUTHOR AND PUBLISHER WARN THAT THIS BOOK CONTAINS ONLY THE AUTHOR’S OPINIONS ON THE SUBJECTS DISCUSSED. THEY MAKE NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR PURPOSE, OR OTHERWISE, AND IN ANY EVENT, THEIR LIABILITY FOR BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY OR CONTRACT WITH RESPECT TO THE CONTENT OF THIS BOOK IS LIMITED TO THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE BOOK. THEY FURTHER LIMIT TO SUCH PURCHASE PRICE THEIR LIABILITY ON ACCOUNT OF ANY KIND OF NEGLIGENT BEHAVIOR WHATSOEVER ON THEIR PART WITH RESPECT TO THE CONTENTS OF THIS BOOK. 4 FOR CURRENT GEAR INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.SUPERTOPO.COM Mark Melvin on the Rubber Band Man Pendulum, South Seas, during the first Girdle Traverse of El Capitan. Photo: Chris McNamara FOR CURRENT GEAR INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.SUPERTOPO.COM 5 Published by SuperTopo 2 Bradford Way Mill Valley, CA 94941 www.supertopo.com Copyright 2012 by SuperTopo All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, or by any electronic mechanical or other means, without permission in writing from the publisher. Design and Layout by David Safanda Design Solutions, Inc. Editing by Steve McNamara Advice by: Steve McNamara, Tim Parr, and Randy Spurrier Cover Photography Chris McNamara on a 10:58 ascent of The Shield, El Capitan. Photo by Corey Rich Cover Design by David Safanda Sequence photos by Jerry Dodrill - www.jerrydodrill.com All uncredited photos by Chris McNamara. McNamara, Chris How To Big Wall Climb: SuperTopo ISBN- 978-0-9833225-1-1 Printed in China 6 FOR CURRENT GEAR INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.SUPERTOPO.COM Table of contents Introduction 9 My personal road to big wall climbing 19 Master checklist 27 Essential aid gear 35 Basic leading technique 47 Following – low angle 55 Leading steep terrain 61 Following steep terrain 67 Clean aid protection 71 Leading – placing protection 75 Following – cleaning gear 81 Building anchors 87 Leading traversing terrain 91 Following traversing terrain 95 Hauling and the belay 103 Bivy gear 115 Rappelling with the bag, surviving storms, and retreat 119 Wall Strategy: Crowds, passing, and teams of three and more 125 Ratings 131 Free climbing on big walls 132 Speed Climbing 134 Big wall gear checklist 139 11 Clean Aid Tricks 140 FOR CURRENT GEAR INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.SUPERTOPO.COM 7 Acknowledgements Steve McNamara, my dad gets the most kudos for this book. He kept pushing me to finish it over the last decade and helped get it done by editing all the chapters. Mark Melvin got me into wall climbing, let me borrow all his gear for my first year, and was my partner for many of my significant ascents. Many thanks also to Randy Spurrier, David Safanda, Tim Parr, Ammon McNeely, and Erik Sloan as well as well as… Dick Duane Jason “Singer” Smith Matt Gerdes Graeme Knight Jerry Dodrill David Dougan Kay McNamara Morgan McNamara Joe Puryear Eric Cotte Lita Collins All my big wall partners and all my friends Tom Evans Hans Florine Brian Poulsen Corey Rich Todd Offenbacher Wayne Willoughby SuperTopo Forum Members for all the helpful comments 8 FOR CURRENT GEAR INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.SUPERTOPO.COM Introduction INTRODUCTION wrote this book because big wall supertopo.com so we can all live through climbing has been the most rewarding them with you. sport in my life and I want to see more I people succeed at it. The first time you What is a big wall? climb El Cap can be the hardest and scariest event in your life. It can also be the most A big wall is a steep multi-pitch climb that adventurous, exciting, and memorable. takes most people more than a day to climb. Eighteen years later, I still clearly remember Big walls are all about vertical exposure; my first trip up The Captain. And it’s still climbing and sleeping with thousands of feet the single most memorable day of my life. I of air below you and thousands of feet of would give anything to relive that experience rock above you. There is nothing else like it. again with the same level of heightened Big wall climbing is not about summit glory anticipation and adventure. But you only or pulling a single hard move or savoring get one “first time.” So the next best thing the rush of adrenaline, although all three of for me is to help other people succeed and those things will happen. The experience is to hear their stories. I love meeting people much more complex and rich. You don’t flirt who dream of climbing El Cap and who briefly with gravity as you might while BASE exude that energy of half fear and half eager jumping or doing a hard single pitch climb. anticipation. You hear it in their voices. They You live with the pull of gravity and daunting know big wall climbing will step up their exposure 24 hours a day. mental and physical climbing game – and they are clearly excited about it. I hope this Plus there are side benefits, plenty of them. book becomes a starting point for your All big wall climbs are in stunning mountain own incredible adventure. And don’t forget settings. Usually you share the experience to email me your stories or post them on with a good friend. There is lots of time Mark Melvin on Pitch 3 of the Zodiac on the first El Cap Girdle Traverse. 10 FOR CURRENT GEAR INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.SUPERTOPO.COM INTRODUCTION to contemplate, even read, and generally Sixty percent of Nose climbers experience the slow life.
Recommended publications
  • Mcofs Climbing Wall Specifications
    THE MOUNTAINEERING COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND The Old Granary West Mill Street Perth PH1 5QP Tel: 01738 493 942 Website: www.mcofs.org.uk SCOTTISH CLIMBING WALLS: Appendix 3 Climbing Wall Facilities: Specifications 1. Climbing Wall Definitions 1.1 Type of Wall The MCofS recognises the need to develop the following types of climbing wall structure in Scotland. These can be combined together at a suitably sized site or developed as separate facilities (e.g. a dedicated bouldering venue). All walls should ideally be situated in a dedicated space or room so as not to clash with other sporting activities. They require unlimited access throughout the day / week (weekends and evenings till late are the most heavily used times). It is recommended that the type of wall design is specific to the requirements and that it is not possible to utilise one wall for all climbing disciplines (e.g. a lead wall cannot be used simultaneously for bouldering). For details of the design, development and management of walls the MCofS supports the recommendations in the “Climbing Walls Manual” (3rd Edition, 2008). 1.1.1. Bouldering walls General training walls with a duel function of allowing for the pursuit of physical excellence, as well as offering a relatively safe ‘solo’ climbing experience which is fun and perfect for a grass-roots introduction to climbing. There are two styles: indoor venues and outdoor venues to cater for the general public as a park or playground facility (Boulder Parks). Dedicated bouldering venues are particularly successful in urban areas* where local access to natural crags offering this style of climbing is not available.
    [Show full text]
  • National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
    NPS Form 10-900 OMBNo. 10024-0018 (Oct. 1990) United States Department of the Interior » , • National Park Service V National Register of Historic Places Registration Form This form is for use in nominating or requesting determination for individual properties and districts Sec instructions in How to Complete the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A). Complete each item by marking "x" in the appropriate box or by entering the information requested. If an item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" lor 'not applicable." For functions, architectural classification, materials, and area of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions Place additional entries and narrative items on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10- 900A). Use typewriter, word processor or computer to complete all items. 1. Name of Property____________________________________________________ historic name Camp 4 other name/site number Sunnyside Campground__________________________________________ 2. Location_______________________________________________________ street & number Northside Drive, Yosemite National Park |~1 not for publication city or town N/A [_xj vicinity state California code CA county Mariposa code 043 zip code 95389 3. State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended, I hereby certify that this Itjiomination _irquest for determination of eligibility meets the documentationsJand»ds-iJar
    [Show full text]
  • 2. the Climbing Gym Industry and Oslo Klatresenter As
    Norwegian School of Economics Bergen, Spring 2021 Valuation of Oslo Klatresenter AS A fundamental analysis of a Norwegian climbing gym company Kristoffer Arne Adolfsen Supervisor: Tommy Stamland Master thesis, Economics and Business Administration, Financial Economics NORWEGIAN SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS This thesis was written as a part of the Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration at NHH. Please note that neither the institution nor the examiners are responsible − through the approval of this thesis − for the theories and methods used, or results and conclusions drawn in this work. 2 Abstract The main goal of this master thesis is to estimate the intrinsic value of one share in Oslo Klatresenter AS as of the 2nd of May 2021. The fundamental valuation technique of adjusted present value was selected as the preferred valuation method. In addition, a relative valuation was performed to supplement the primary fundamental valuation. This thesis found that the climbing gym market in Oslo is likely to enjoy a significant growth rate in the coming years, with a forecasted compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in sales volume of 6,76% from 2019 to 2033. From there, the market growth rate is assumed to have reached a steady-state of 3,50%. The period, however, starts with a reduced market size in 2020 and an expected low growth rate from 2020 to 2021 because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Based on this and an assumed new competing climbing gym opening at the beginning of 2026, OKS AS revenue is forecasted to grow with a CAGR of 4,60% from 2019 to 2033.
    [Show full text]
  • Reru Valley Expedition Proposal 2011
    RERU VALLEY EXPEDITION PROPOSAL 2011 FOREWORD The destination of this expedition is to the Reru valley in the Zanskar range. This range is located in the north East of India in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, between the Great Himalayan range and the Ladakh range. Until 2009 there had been no climbing expeditions to the valley, and there are a large number of unclimbed summits between 5700m and 6200m in this area: only two of the 36 identified peaks have seen ascents. Our expedition aims to take a large group of 7 members that will use a single base camp but split into two teams that will attempt different types of objective. One team will focus on technical rock climbing ascents, whilst the other team will focus on alpine style mixed snow and rock ascents of unclimbed peaks with a target elevation of around 6000m. CONTENTS 1. Expedition Aims & Objectives ............................................................................................................................. 3 2. Background ......................................................................................................................................................... 3 3. Itinerary ............................................................................................................................................................. 12 4. Expedition Team ............................................................................................................................................... 13 5. Logistics ............................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Rock Climbing Inventory of NJ's State Parks and Forest
    Allamuchy Mountain, Stephens State Park Rock Climbing Inventory of NJ’s State Parks and Forest Prepared by Access NJ Contents Photo Credit: Matt Carlardo www.climbnj.com June, 2006 CRI 2007 Access NJ Scope of Inventory I. Climbing Overview of New Jersey Introduction NJ’s Climbing Resource II. Rock-Climbing and Cragging: New Jersey Demographics NJ's Climbing Season Climbers and the Environment Tradition of Rock Climbing on the East Coast III. Climbing Resource Inventory C.R.I. Matrix of NJ State Lands Climbing Areas IV. Climbing Management Issues Awareness and Issues Bolts and Fixed Anchors Natural Resource Protection V. Appendix Types of Rock-Climbing (Definitions) Climbing Injury Patterns and Injury Epidemiology Protecting Raptor Sites at Climbing Areas Position Paper 003: Climbers Impact Climbers Warning Statement VI. End-Sheets NJ State Parks Adopt a Crag 2 www.climbnj.com CRI 2007 Access NJ Introduction In a State known for its beaches, meadowlands and malls, rock climbing is a well established year-round, outdoor, all weather recreational activity. Rock Climbing “cragging” (A rock-climbers' term for a cliff or group of cliffs, in any location, which is or may be suitable for climbing) in NJ is limited by access. Climbing access in NJ is constrained by topography, weather, the environment and other variables. Climbing encounters access issues . with private landowners, municipalities, State and Federal Governments, watershed authorities and other landowners and managers of the States natural resources. The motives and impacts of climbers are not distinct from hikers, bikers, nor others who use NJ's open space areas. Climbers like these others, seek urban escape, nature appreciation, wildlife observation, exercise and a variety of other enriching outcomes when we use the resources of the New Jersey’s State Parks and Forests (Steve Matous, Access Fund Director, March 2004).
    [Show full text]
  • Gear Brands List & Lexicon
    Gear Brands List & Lexicon Mountain climbing is an equipment intensive activity. Having good equipment in the mountains increases safety and your comfort level and therefore your chance of having a successful climb. Alpine Ascents does not sell equipment nor do we receive any outside incentive to recommend a particular brand name over another. Our recommendations are based on quality, experience and performance with your best interest in mind. This lexicon represents years of in-field knowledge and experience by a multitude of guides, teachers and climbers. We have found that by being well-equipped on climbs and expeditions our climbers are able to succeed in conditions that force other teams back. No matter which trip you are considering you can trust the gear selection has been carefully thought out to every last detail. People new to the sport often find gear purchasing a daunting chore. We recommend you examine our suggested brands closely to assist in your purchasing decisions and consider renting gear whenever possible. Begin preparing for your trip as far in advance as possible so that you may find sale items. As always we highly recommend consulting our staff of experts prior to making major equipment purchases. A Word on Layering One of the most frequently asked questions regarding outdoor equipment relates to clothing, specifically (and most importantly for safety and comfort), proper layering. There are Four basic layers you will need on most of our trips, including our Mount Rainier programs. They are illustrated below: Underwear
    [Show full text]
  • Self Rescue for Rock Climbers
    Self Rescue for Rock Climbers So you know how to climb, maybe you are even proficient at lead climbing. Have you ever thought about what would happen if something goes wrong? What if the climber you are belaying gets injured, and you are unable to lower them back to the ground? Simple accidents like this have been the beginning of many serious injuries and even fatalities. With some basic theory and techniques, you will have the tools needed to confront these problems in a calm, systematic manner. This one day skills course will teach you how to use the equipment you already are carrying, to improvise rescue systems and get you and your team out of a jam. Every climber needs to know these skills! Skills covered: • Technical systems review, including belaying off the anchor • Belay escapes • rope ascending and descending • counter balance ascending and descending with an injured climber • raising systems, including 3:1 and 5:1 • lowering systems with a knot pass Prerequisites: Basic outdoor rock climbing experience required. Lead climbing experience is recommended, but not required. All programs directed by Adrian Ballinger AMGA - IFMGA Certified Mountain Guide ©2004-2016 All Rights Reserved Alpenglow Expeditions ! Price: $189 Location: Alpenglow runs our rock climbing courses on the Iconic Donner Summit, in Truckee, California. Specific meeting location details will be provided before the course starts. What to bring: The weather can vary wildly on Donner Summit, from cold and windy to hot and sunny. It is important that you have the proper clothing to be comfortable while in the field.
    [Show full text]
  • Smith Rock (All Dates Are Month/Day/Year)
    Smith Rock (all dates are month/day/year) 5.2 Arrowpoint, Northwest Corner (5.2 Trad) comments: This is the obvious way up the Arrowpoint. Although extremely short, it rewards one with a rare Smith summit experience, which is nice after climbing one of the multi-pitch routes on Smith Rock group. Unfortunately, the Arrowhead is not the true summit of the Smith Rock group. gear: 3 or 4 cams to #3 Camalot ascents: 06/25/2005 lead (approached via Sky Ridge) 03/23/2009 lead (approached via Sky Ridge, PB seconded) 5.5 New Route Left of Purple Headed Warrior (5.5 ? Bolts) comments: Squeeze job with so-so climbing. ascents: 11/6/2016 lead Bits and Pieces (1st Pitch) (5.5 Bolts) comments: Very easy fun route on huge knobs. ascents: 06/17/2001 lead My Little Pony (5.5 Bolts) comments: To the right of the Adventurous Pillar there are four bolted routes. This is the fourth one from the left. ascents: 05/09/2004 lead Night Flight (5.5 Bolts) comments: Route 22 in the Dihedrals section of smithrock.com, to the left of Left Slab Crack. Nice and easy lead. ascents: 03/16/2001 lead 03/30/2001 2nd (continued on Easy Reader 2nd pitch) North Slab Crack (5.5X or TR) comments: Horrible route. ascents: 09/16/2000 (TR) Pack Animal (to Headless Horseman belay) (5.5 Trad) comments: Easy and short trad lead. ascents: 02/08/2004 lead Spiderman Variation (1st pitch) (5.5 Trad) comments: Nice, but not as good as the 1st pitch of Spiderman proper.
    [Show full text]
  • Multi-Pitch Trad Course
    MULTI-PITCH TRAD COURSE This course is designed to teach the skills required to complete climb multi-pitch trad routes. Students will be given time and education to safely and efficiently lead multi-pitch climbs. Skills Covered Building of 3-point gear anchors Belaying a follower from the top with an auto-blocking device Swapping leads Being efficient on climbs including proper rope management Basic rescue techniques Understanding route selection Graduation Criteria Safely lead 1 multi-pitch trad route Prerequisites Single-pitch trad course or equivalent o Ability to lead on trad gear up to 5.6 o Ability to rappel safely o Ability to build a top-rope anchor on bolts o Basic skills to climb cracks Summary of Activities 1 evening kickoff session 2 evenings for skills review 2 weekend days of outdoor multi-pitch mock leading on trad gear 2 weekend days of outdoor multi-pitch leading on trad gear Student Gear List *Please DO NOT purchase gear until after our Kick Off Session (#17 & #18 are above what is required for the single-pitch course) 1. Climbing helmet 2. Rock climbing shoes 3. Harness 4. 1 personal anchor (Metolius) + locking carabiner 5. 6 single alpine slings 6. 2 double alpine slings 7. 1 triple alpine sling 8. 18 standard-sized non-locking carabiners (2 per sling) 9. 6 locking carabiners (in addition to the one in #4) 10. One set of standard-sized cams One cam each matching the following Black Diamond sizes: .3, .4, .5, .75, 1, 2, 3 11. 7 carabiners – one for each cam Do not need to be full sized Getting carabiners that match the color of your cams will be helpful 12.
    [Show full text]
  • This Is Me Waking up 1000Ft up on El Cap's North America Wall
    This is me waking up 1000ft up on El Cap's North America Wall. I am not overly psyched. Although you cannot see it in the photo, at this point I was being blasted by ice cold wind, being showered with bits of ice and I had a knee that had seized up. My psyche level was around 1 out of 10 and despite sort-of hoping that things would sort themselves out, I had pretty much already decided to bail. I really did not come here to bail but somehow the idea of going back down is, on the whole, more reasonable when you are on a route compared with when thinking about it at home. So, what was meant to be my first big-wall solo, became my first big-wall bail. ~- x -~ A week earlier I arrived in San Francisco. It was after a pretty hectic week and I was knackered, I think, due to this, somehow I managed to lose my wallet between airports. It took a while to accept this - I do not lose things. Boring story really; but I made contact with friends-of-friends, crashed at theirs and spent the next 48 hours getting cash via Western Union and finding somewhere that would rent a car using photos of a debit card and a counterpart driving licence. I arrived in a cold and rainy Yosemite Valley on the 7th of May and, with no a tent, I set to work to find a bivi with a roof. Once found, I went shopping for the gear and converted the car boot in my gear store/wardrobe.
    [Show full text]
  • Climbing Towards Sustainability
    Climbing Towards Sustainability Joseph Muggli, College of St. Benedict |St. Johns University Department of Environmental Studies. Advisors: Derek Larson, Richard Bohannon Type of Climbing Positives Negatives Abstract: Rock Climbing has grown into a popular sport Removable gear/ protection. Gear can get stuck and lost Traditional Aid Climbing amongst the cliff face. Leave No Trace Climbing that is enjoyed by people all over the world. With climb- Born from traditional climb- The Center of Outdoor Ethics has 7 Leave No Trace ing growing more popular, the strain on the environ- (TRAD) ing, deep rooted outdoor Not as secure as the other two. principles that concern any recreational activity in the ment involved is becoming an issue regarding the ethics. Requires a lot of experience outdoors. Of these seven there are that stand out spe- preservation and conservation of these popular loca- Costly to the climber Leaves no trace. cifically for climbing. tions. How does one practice climbing in an environ- Secured/ fixed anchors and Brought climbing into new un- mentally sound way to preserve the future of the sport Sport Climbing 1.) Plan Ahead and Prepare bolts. regulated areas. and to ensure the future of the ecosystems in which (Fixed Anchors) 2.)Camp and Travel on Durable Surfaces. Opens up new areas that are un Leaves a permanent route up climbing takes place? The history of the sport along with 3.) Dispose of Waste Properly -climbable in traditional man- the cliff face. relevant conservation efforts will be able to help shape 4.) Respect Wildlife ners. Replacement of weathered/ a specific set of rules to abide by in order to ensure the 5.) Leave What you Find Provides a safer atmosphere for broken bolts and anchors is sustainability of the outdoor sport.
    [Show full text]
  • Rescue Response Gear Rigging Lab Sisters, OR Rope Rescue Course
    Rescue Response Gear Rigging Lab Sisters, OR Rope Rescue Course Text Awareness Level Operations Level Technician Level This textbook is for the exclusive use of participants of the RRG Rigging Lab. Pat Rhodes RRG Rigging Lab Rope Rescue Course Text, © 2011, Rhodes 2 Rope Rescue Course Text Disclaimer: This book is intended for the exclusive use of participants of the RRG Rigging Lab. Rope rescue is inherently dangerous, even if the techniques, procedures and illustrations in this book are diligently followed, serious injury and/or death may result. This book makes no claim to be all-inclusive on the subject of rope rescue. There is no substitute for quality training under the guidance of a qualified instructor. Insofar as the author of this book has no control over the level of expertise of the reader of this material, or the manner this information is used, the author assumes no responsibility for the reader’s use of this book. There is no warranty, either expressed or implied, for the accuracy and/or reliability for the information contained hereof. RRG Rigging Lab, Rope Rescue Course Text, © Copyright 2011, Rhodes. All rights reserved for the contents of this manual. NO unauthorized duplication by any means without prior written permission from the author. RRG Rigging Lab Rope Rescue Course Text, © 2011, Rhodes 3 RRG Rigging Lab Rope Rescue Course Text, © 2011, Rhodes 4 RescueRig Rope Rescue Course Text Contents Section 1 Awareness Level 6 Chapter 1 Commitment to Excellence 6 Chapter 2, Managing a Technical Rescue 12 Definitions 27
    [Show full text]