Intermediate SRT Student Manual

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Intermediate SRT Student Manual Intermediate SRT Student Manual 17 This page intentionally left blank. Inside front cover 18 Intermediate Single Rope Techniques Training Course Published by the Vertical Section of the National Speleological Society, Inc. First Edition 2008 Illustrations by Bruce Smith Courtesy of On Rope 1, Inc. and On Rope Copyright 2008 by the Vertical Section of the NSS All Rights Reserved Printed in the USA Liability Disclaimer Warning: Serious injury or death could result from the use of the techniques and equipment described in this manual. The Executive Board of the Vertical Section of the NSS Inc. provides this manual as a guide to Internal Organizations of the NSS for teaching safe vertical practices. All instructors and persons practicing vertical rope work should use sound judgment and a lot of common sense. Under no conditions does the Vertical Section sanction use of this material by any one not under the direct supervision of a qualified vertical instructor. This manual is provided with no liability to the authors, editors, critiques, publisher, or the National Speleological Society, Inc. expressed or implied, in the case of injury or death to the instructors, their students, or any other reader. 1 Start How it all works -Vertical Course Booklet given to Section each student includes: Contact Grotto Mentor -Introductory materials -Obtain assigned the task -8 units of goals and materials course to initiate training package needed to reinforce the learning -Put name experience in system -3 Goals of the Course Student and Grotto officer Student and Mentor VS Training Coordinator Specialist Mentors assist student through each unit Knots Belaying Harnesses Equipment -Butterfly -Top belay using a -Can don and adjust -Can safely rappel -In-line Figure Eight Grigri, and or a to fit at least three using 5 or more rappel -Bowline on a Bight Munter Hitch different types/ devices and know the -Double Figure Eight -Self belay makes of harnesses limitations of each -Helical Hitch -Can release a self -Can safely use 4 or belay device more mechanical -Verify basic knot ascenders and know skills are known the advantages and disadvantages of each Rigging Ascending Rescue Skills -Can demonstrate the Methods attributes of a safely -Can safely operate rigged rope -Can rig and a haul system Vertical Section Training Coordinator’s involvement Training Section Vertical -Pursues non-invasive efficiently use a -Can safely pick-off rig points whenever Frog System an injured climber possible -Can rig and safely from a rope and -Places a knot at the use a Mitchell bring them to the bottom of the rope and System ground knows why. -Can rig and safely -Can ascend/ -Can deploy, coil or use a Rope Walker descend to an bag, and transport System injured climber and team gear to and from -Can Rig and use a rappel them to the a rigging site Knot System ground -Set 3 bolts and hang from them END VS Training Submit Caving completed Safely lead at least 3 Coordinator multi-drop cave trips- will return a signed form to the Taking charge of and completed VS Training rigging and the certificate noting welfare of the completion of course Coordinator participants 2 Intermediate Single Rope Techniques Goals of the Course 1. Successfully negotiate a multi-drop cave environment under adverse conditions/situations, both up and down, in an efficient manner. 2. Perform all the skills outlined in the Basic Training Course. 3. Demonstrate and be actively involved in group leader- ship and assume command if the leader becomes disabled. A Mentor The “Whys” A mentor: a trusted friend, Always seek the root reasons behind counselor or teacher, usually a more all the things you learn. Learn the experienced person. Some professions “Whys”. If you can answer why you have “mentoring programs” in which are doing something a certain way and newcomers are paired with more it makes sense to you and to others, experienced people in order to obtain chances are you are doing it right. If good examples and advice as they you are doing things just because you advance. Schools sometimes have heard it should be done that way or mentoring programs for new students or your friend Bill said to do it that way students who are having difficulties. then chances are you do not fully Mentors provide their expertise to understand the depth of your topic and less experienced individuals in order to there is a good chance it needs to be help them advance their careers, enhance revisited. Always seek higher knowl- their education, and build their networks. edge. Separate proven methods and Many of the world’s most successful techniques from lore and rumor. Be people have benefited from having a diligent with your knowledge for it is mentor. the ultimate force that will pull you If you are fortunate enough to be through the most difficult of situations. selected as a Mentor, be good at what you are expected to do. Read the section on being a good Trainer on page 9 3 Knots Goals of this Unit 1. Master 5 additional knots that Butterfly Knot you may or may not have learned in the Basic Vertical SRT Course Thoughts about knots. Using and understanding all the aspects of the knots you choose to use is the most important part of the knot subject. Learn a few and know them well. 1. Practice making knots with rope the size you intend to use in the field. Butterfly Knot is a great mid-line knot and 2. Make the knots compact and small. is useful for tying out a bad spot on the 3. Make the loops in the knots the size rope or attaching a carabiner to a point on of those things they may encircle. the rope. It does tend to bend the rope radically through the bends of the configuration resulting in a lower- than- average breaking strength. Most texts rate it about 60-65%. It is omni-directional and Small, tight, compact very easy to inspect. It seems to work rigging includes small connection loops. best with softer ropes. In-Line Figure Eight 4. Very few knots need what some people refer to as back-up knots. In all the knot text books including some of the great historical reference texts, back-up knots are never mentioned. Clifford Ashley in his incredible book Ashley’s Book of Knots says, “ a knot is never “nearly right;” It is either exactly right or it is hopelessly wrong, one or the other; there is nothing in between.” By adding some version of a helper back-up knot we contribute to the knot being In-line Figure Eight is one of the eight “hopelessly wrong.” knots in the family of eights and qualifies as a mid-line knot. It is a directional knot and is 5. Dress and stress a knot. Will it make very useful when tying a Trucker’s Hitch. It it stronger? Maybe not, but it will allow it to be inspected from a requires the knowledge of making the knot distance. This is very important for a in both directions. It too, radically bends the resulting configuration rendering it a knot that safety officer to be able to identify and verify that the knot is tied is lower than average in breaking strength correctly. much like the Butterfly Knot. 4 Bowline on a Bight Bowline-on-a-Bight is also a mid-line knot and is one of the preferred double loop knots because it unties so easily, even after extraordinary tightening. It too is multi- many Firefighter training texts. Most users, directional and is a great knot to include in however, use this knot as a mid-line knot for one’s arsenal. rigging to multiple points or for an end-line connection point. Many people feel the Double Figure Eight double loop provides better loop durability because there are two loops. The weak point The Double Figure Eight is a large of the knot, however, is like any other Figure complicated knot that can be used for either Eight on a Bight where the standing line an end-line knot or a mid-line knot. It can be enters the knot. In a pull test the knot will break used as an emergency harness according to at this point. To properly dress this knot, be sure that this part is tucked here in the end during the dress- ing and stressing. 5 Helical Hitch Famous Ashley Quotes “The question of what knot is best for a particular need is perhaps the most important of all to be considered.” Bowline “Perhaps the most difficult task I have attempted is to sort out the terminology of knots and to ascribe to them their rightful names.” “At sea, the whole subject of knots is commonly divided into four classifications: hitches, bends, knots and splices.” “It appears to be true that a rope is weakest just outside the entrance to a knot......” “A knot is never “nearly right”; it is either The Helical Hitch is a very easy to use exactly right or it is hopelessly wrong, one or the other; there is nothing in between.” gripping knot much like a Prusik. It slides easier than a Prusik and requires much less rope than a Prusik to tie. As a gripping knot, however, it only suspends from one cord, “There is nothing quite as rewarding as whereas a Prusik suspends from two cords. If tying a beautiful knot” you can tie a Bowline you can tie a Helical. All a Helical Hitch is a Bowline that has the Anita Briem bowline loop rope rotated around and around Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D and around the main rope.
Recommended publications
  • Descender Ascender Fall Arrester Belay Device Rescue
    TECHNICAL SHEET INTERNATIONAL Ref.0997 GIANT + An innovative multifunctional descender developed to meet the ROPE ACCESS TREE CLIMBING TEAM RESCUE SELF RESCUE demands of the most technical rope access and rescue specialists. The patented internal mechanism combines with robust hot-forged construction and advanced ergonomics for exceptional control even with heavy loads (up to 250 kg for two person scenarios). In addition to its primary function as a descender, the Giant is also Descender certified for use as a fall arrest device (i.e. during rope transfers), as an ascender with smooth upward glide, and as a belay device for Ascender climbing, making it the most widely certified rope tool of its kind. The actuating lever features an anti-panic system that locks the rope Fall arrester and arrests the descent in case of excessive pressure on the lever by the user as well as an extra lock off position so the worker does not have to tie off the device. Belay device An external button can be used to hold the cam open allowing the rope to slide easily in situations with limited or no load. Rescue use The device can be opened to insert or remove the rope without removing the carabiner (this helps prevent the possibility of dropping the device). The large attachment hole allows for the insertion of a second carabiner making the two plates unopenable. The logical circular rope path along with clear internal and external markings makes installation of the rope simple and intuitive. Standards: - EN 12841 as a rope access device for semi-static ropes ranging from 10 to 11.5 mm: - Type C: descender of the working line for loads up to 250 kg (from 11 to 11.5 mm) or 210 kg (from 10 to 10.9 mm); - Type B: ascender of the working line for loads up to 250 kg (from 11 to 11.5 mm) or 210 kg (from 10 to 10.9 mm); - Type A: fall arrester for the safety line for loads up to 120 kg.
    [Show full text]
  • Actsafe T1-16 Tactical Ascender
    USER’S MANUAL Rev 1-2011 ENG ActSafe T1-16 Tactical Ascender User’s Manual T1-16 Tactical Ascender 2 T1-16 Tactical Ascender User’s Manual revision 1-2011 © Copyright 2011 ActSafe Systems AB www.actsafe-tactical.com [email protected] 2 © Copyright ActSafe Systems AB Table of contents INTRODUCTION 4 Remote control usage 23 Foreword 4 Covert mode 23 About ActSafe 4 Operation in water 24 About this manual 4 Emergency descent 25 Definitions 5 Charging 26 Disclaimer 5 Transportation 26 Storage 26 SAFETY 6 Ascender safety 6 ACCESSORIES 27 General safety measures 6 Quick-out karabiner 27 Work method analysis recommendation 7 Rope system safety 8 SERVICE & MAINTENANCE 30 Personal safety 9 Clean the ascender 30 Rope recommendation 8 Clean the charging pins 30 Training 10 Changing the primary connection sling 30 Changing the rope grab system 30 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION 11 Remote control, changing the battery 30 General 12 Equipment list 32 Control panel 12 Material 32 Battery 13 Spare parts 32 Battery indicator 14 Remote control 15 TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE 33 Operation in water 16 Buoyancy aid 16 WARRANTY & GUARANTEE 36 Emergency descent 17 Limitation of liability 36 Charger 18 Overload/heat monitoring/protection 18 TECHNICAL DATA 37 USAGE 19 APPENDIX 38 Checklist before and after use 19 Connect to rope 20 Ascent & descent 21 Twisted rope, rotation 22 User’s Manual T1-16 Tactical Ascender 3 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION Foreword About this manual Thank you for choosing a product from The information in this manual cannot ActSafe Systems AB®. replace training and exercise. The ascender When used correctly this ascender will must only be used by personnel who have revolutionize the way you work at height.
    [Show full text]
  • Reviewing Ascenders for Rope Access
    Review of the use of ascenders in rope access. Ascenders are being used extensively in rope access. However. As with anything else, there is a tendency to accept and establish practices even though new knowledge, techniques and tools may have changed over time. Sometimes it might be worth going back to investigate the evidence and the scientific background for the established practices. This is an attempt at that, regarding our use of ascenders. Two basically different constructions: To start with it is important to understand, that there are vital differences in the construction and subsequently in the use of the Petzl Croll/new Petzl Basic and the Petzl Ascension/old Petzl Basic, as it is also outlined by the manufacturer. Old and new Petzl Basic. The primary difference lies with the construction of the two tools. In the Ascension/old Basic, there are two holes at the top of the tool on opposing sides of the rope channel, allowing a carabiner to be placed there, thus strengthening the construction and at the same time keeping the rope in place in the rope channel, even when the ascender is being used in a non vertical position. In the User Manual for the Petzl Croll (B16) and for the (new) Petzl Basic (B18), the manufacturer clearly warns against using them on non-vertical ropes due to the risk of the rope unclipping itself: Ascenders for rope access use. A review. 1 of 6. © ScanRope, 2014. www.scanrope.eu In the User Manual for the Petzl Ascension (and old Petzl Basic), however, it says, that..: ”The ASCENSION and BASIC ascenders are designed to be loaded in a direction parallel to the rope; if loaded at an angle to the rope, the cam may not correctly engage the rope and slippage can occur (See the technical notice, diagram 2).
    [Show full text]
  • A WORKSHOP for Litigators Who Represent Clients in Mediation
    A WORKSHOP FOR Litigators Who Represent Clients in Mediation chair Frank Gomberg Gomberg Mediation Solutions Inc. September 18, 2017 *CLE17-0090401-A-PUB* DISCLAIMER: This work appears as part of The Law Society of Upper Canada’s initiatives in Continuing Professional Development (CPD). It provides information and various opinions to help legal professionals maintain and enhance their competence. It does not, however, represent or embody any official position of, or statement by, the Society, except where specifically indicated; nor does it attempt to set forth definitive practice standards or to provide legal advice. Precedents and other material contained herein should be used prudently, as nothing in the work relieves readers of their responsibility to assess the material in light of their own professional experience. No warranty is made with regards to this work. The Society can accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions, and expressly disclaims any such responsibility. © 2017 All Rights Reserved This compilation of collective works is copyrighted by The Law Society of Upper Canada. The individual documents remain the property of the original authors or their assignees. The Law Society of Upper Canada 130 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M5H 2N6 Phone: 416-947-3315 or 1-800-668-7380 Ext. 3315 Fax: 416-947-3991 E-mail: [email protected] www.lsuc.on.ca Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication A Workshop for Litigators Who Represent Clients in Mediation ISBN 978-1-77345-233-3 (Hardcopy) ISBN 978-1-77345-234-0 (PDF) A WORKSHOP FOR Litigators Who Represent Clients in Mediation Chair: Frank Gomberg, Gomberg Mediation Solutions Inc.
    [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]
  • Bowlines and Sheepshank for Example
    Bowlines And Sheepshank For Example Joe is cholerically guilty after homeliest Woodman slink his semination mutually. Constitutive and untuneful stellately.Shane never preoral his inutilities! Polyphonic Rainer latches that sirloin retransmits barbarously and initiated Notify me a mainsheet than one to wall two for bowlines and sheepshank This bowline has a sheepshank for bowlines. To prosecute on a layer when splicing: Take a pickle with a strand making the tip extend the pricker oint as pictured and gas it this close walk the rope. Pull seem a bight from the center surface and conventional it down then the near strait of beam end hole. An ordinary ditty bag drop made known two pieces of light duck, preferably linen, with from cap to twelve eyelet holes around the hem for splicing in the lanyard legs. Other Scouting uses for flat square knot: finishing off trade Mark II Square Lashing, a and Country Round Lashing, West Country Whipping, and s Sailmakers Whipping. Tuck as in a point for example of a refractory horse. Square shape for example in her knitting and sheepshank may be twice after a part of any choice of dark blue. Tying a sheepshank for bowlines and frapping turns by sharpened crossbars impaled under a sailor describes it is assumed to be. An UPRIGHT CYLINDROID TOGGLE. The right and for? Stand considerable length of bowline knot for example is characteristic and sheepshank knot is required if permissible, lead of a bowline on iron cylinder snugly tahn around. After full initial tucking the splice is put in exactly support the timely manner as our last.
    [Show full text]
  • Knot Masters Troop 90
    Knot Masters Troop 90 1. Every Scout and Scouter joining Knot Masters will be given a test by a Knot Master and will be assigned the appropriate starting rank and rope. Ropes shall be worn on the left side of scout belt secured with an appropriate Knot Master knot. 2. When a Scout or Scouter proves he is ready for advancement by tying all the knots of the next rank as witnessed by a Scout or Scouter of that rank or higher, he shall trade in his old rope for a rope of the color of the next rank. KNOTTER (White Rope) 1. Overhand Knot Perhaps the most basic knot, useful as an end knot, the beginning of many knots, multiple knots make grips along a lifeline. It can be difficult to untie when wet. 2. Loop Knot The loop knot is simply the overhand knot tied on a bight. It has many uses, including isolation of an unreliable portion of rope. 3. Square Knot The square or reef knot is the most common knot for joining two ropes. It is easily tied and untied, and is secure and reliable except when joining ropes of different sizes. 4. Two Half Hitches Two half hitches are often used to join a rope end to a post, spar or ring. 5. Clove Hitch The clove hitch is a simple, convenient and secure method of fastening ropes to an object. 6. Taut-Line Hitch Used by Scouts for adjustable tent guy lines, the taut line hitch can be employed to attach a second rope, reinforcing a failing one 7.
    [Show full text]
  • Upgraded Auto Belay Systems
    Upgraded Auto Belay Systems March 24, 2016 A Major Qualifying Project Report Submitted to the faculty of WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science By: Thomas Sullivan (ECE) Submitted to: Fred Looft, Professor SE and ECE Worcester Polytechnic Institute This report represents work of WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its web site without editorial or peer review. For more information about the projects program at WPI, see http://www.wpi.edu/Academics/Project i Abstract The following report describes the process undertaken to retrofit auto belay devices used in climbing gyms. The retrofit design enables the climber to have options to rest while climbing, continue to climb, or descend to the ground. Based on the system’s engineering approach I used, a working prototype of the user input component was created to fill this research gap. ii Acknowledgements I would like to acknowledge anyone who helped guide this project especially Professor Fred Looft, for his advice and expertise during this capstone design experience. I would like to extend gratitude to Professor Alexander Wyglinski for providing his expertise on wireless networks. This capstone would not have been as successful as it was without the help of William Appleyard for providing the necessary parts for this project and Joe St. Germain for his knowledge on Arduino boards. iii Table of Contents Abstract ........................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • THE TECHNIQUE of ARTIFICIAL CLIMBING. E. A. Wrangham
    THE TECHNIQUE OF ARTIFICIAL CLIMBING 37 THE TECHNIQUE OF ARTIFICIAL CLIMBING BY E. A. WRANGHAM • ' was strenuous, especially for one with too little practice in piton climbing.' The quotation comes from the Journal of a British mountaineering club, and reveals a very typical reaction to what is to many British climbers a new technique. In many of the magnificent new routes pioneered in the Alps since the 193o's, a section of the climb has been rendered possible by the use of a gradually developing tech­ nique of climbing with the aid of pegs (' pitons,' in French). The custom started with a twofold purpose : for belaying, to save time and add to security, where the rock was unco-operative (many Continental climbers now will use a peg in preference to a rock belay, even when the latter is easily available, considering rock belays unsafe) ; and for use as a hand or foot hold, in the momentary absence of a rock one. From these beginnings the stage has now been reached when there are some ascents in the Alps which require almost continuous use of pegs for direct aid from bottom to top. It is, of course, up to the individual to prefer one . type of cli.mb to another. Mummery preferred rock climbs, Smythe snow climbs; Norman Collie thought the Cuillin of Skye a pleasanter climbing ground than the Himalaya ; and I have come across climbers who, having seen the Alps, still prefer to climb on the gritstone crags of Derbyshire. Similarly, one may find the entirely artificial climb rather monotonous, despite the considerable strain on muscles and nerves which it almost certainly entails.
    [Show full text]
  • Scholarship Application Requirements
    Updated June 2018 Boise Climbing Team Climbing Scholarship Deadline for Submission: 2 weeks before the start of the season Scholarship Details: 1. The scholarship awards the climber up to $500 toward their seasonal team fees. The scholarship committee reserves the right to disperse the $500 in any way they see appropriate. 2. Scholarship recipients are expected to participate with the climbing team during the entire season. No refunds or extensions of the scholarship can be given for a future season. 3. All other fees still apply to the scholarship recipient. These include but aren’t limited to: team uniform cost, gear cost, competition fees, event fees, and outdoor climbing trip fees (none applicable for the club league). Scholarship Qualifications: A positive and teachable youth who is passionate about climbing and shows financial need. The climber must qualify for the BCT Ascender Jr’s, Ascender Sr.’s, Advanced Team or Club League). Team Qualifications: If you aren’t sure where you might fit in, please don’t hesitate to contact [email protected]. 1. Ascender Team Jr. - This program exists to develop the foundational skills (physical, technical, mental, and performance) it takes to be a good climber. Climbers will be trained as athletes and are encouraged to compete in local and regional competitions. *Climbers must have at least one-year prior climbing experience. Those without experience or not interested in competition climbing should look into the Asana Recreational Team. 2. Ascender Team Sr.- This program exists to teach climbers intermediate and advanced skills (physical, technical, mental, and performance) while preparing athletes for competition.
    [Show full text]
  • Sport Climbing: from Top Rope to Redpoint, Techniques for Climbing Success by Andrew Bisharat Ebook
    Sport Climbing: From Top Rope to Redpoint, Techniques for Climbing Success by Andrew Bisharat ebook Ebook Sport Climbing: From Top Rope to Redpoint, Techniques for Climbing Success currently available for review only, if you need complete ebook Sport Climbing: From Top Rope to Redpoint, Techniques for Climbing Success please fill out registration form to access in our databases Download here >> Paperback:::: 256 pages+++Publisher:::: Mountaineers Books; 1 edition (October 6, 2009)+++Language:::: English+++ISBN-10:::: 9781594852701+++ISBN-13:::: 978-1594852701+++ASIN:::: 1594852707+++Product Dimensions::::6.8 x 0.6 x 8.5 inches++++++ ISBN10 9781594852701 ISBN13 978-1594852 Download here >> Description: * Shows you how to get started with sport climbing, or push your skills further than you thought they could go* Sport climbing is a fun, accessible aspect of climbing that many people can participate in* Foreword by Chris Sharma, the best known American sport climberSport climbers often project a route that tests their physical limits in hopes of an eventual completion, regardless of the number of attempts. Succeeding requires a solid understanding of belaying and other climbing techniques that are used in various climbing disciplines, but are detailed here specifically for sport climbing.Targeting varying abilities, Sport Climbing teaches climbers how to rehearse moves and train for routes, how to get through the pump, how to fight until the end of a pitch, how to stay composed when tired, and how to best use their bodies to climb efficiently and expertly. Whether inspiring new climbers to learn the nuances of scaling vertical terrain, or delving into a deeper, more conceptual understanding of how to go about projecting a route, Andrew Bisharat brings confidence and a level of practicality to the sport.
    [Show full text]
  • Rock Climbing PP
    Climbing in La Crosse A valuable and untapped community resource for all Coulee Region Climber's Coop Photo: Sugarloaf in Winona Types of Climbing Climbing Disciplines Free Climbing Aid Climbing Ropes No Ropes Free Top Rope Lead Solo Climbing Bouldering Climbing “Trad” Sport Climbing Climbing Disciplines Free Climbing Aid Climbing Ropes No Ropes Free Top Rope Lead Solo Climbing Bouldering Climbing “Trad” Sport Climbing Top Rope Climbing A safe form of climbing where the climber is protected from a fall; by the rope above, passing through fixed anchors and back down to the belayer. Most people’s exposure to climbing is top roped climbing in controlled environments. Sport Climbing A type of climbing that relies on permanent anchors fixed to the rock for protection. Fixed anchors are used to mitigate climber impact, and offer improved safety for climbers across many skill levels. An advanced, pure recreational, low equipment aspect of climbing. Bouldering A style of climbing emphasizing gymnastic movement, performed without equipment on short boulders, objects, or routes. Landing mats (“crash pads”) and spotters provide safety. “Trad” Climbing Traditional Free Climbing is a method of protecting a climber from falls without fixed anchors. Protection is removable, normally by the belayer upon completion of a pitch. This advanced discipline requires broad understanding of technical aspects of the sport, as well as accepting higher risks involved. Climbing has evolved... It’s no longer outside the mainstream Art by Constant Climbing 2016~7,200,000 1994 ~350,000 Estimated number of US climbers More about climbers • Estimated 7.2 million climbers in US (Outdoor Foundation) • 1.5 million American youth, 6-17 yrs old climb • Highest concentration of climbers between 26-36 yrs old.
    [Show full text]