Advanced rope work
So what exactly is advanced ropework and why do you need to know it?
Well in truth you probably don’t, but at the same time I am a strong believer in the fact we should never stop learning.
I think it is the ability to make a safe judgement and carry it out efficiently, there are many different ways and techniques in climbing for all situations and climbing types.
The hard bit is knowing what ropework technique to use in that situation. You should know how to look after yourself as a minimum and ideally be able to look after or manage another person.
Some items we could run over in a course could be;
- Tying off a belay plate
- Equalising multiple anchors
- Descending a rope
- Ascending a rope
- Lowering someone past a knot
- Abseiling past a knot
- Escaping the system
- Abseil pick ups
- Improvised rescues
- First aid plans
- First aid on a rope
Something to remember is that all situations are different and will require an individual approach, rescues are largely improvisational. Often you can get your partner down a climb safely yourself, but sometimes you will need help. You will need to think on your feet and plan carefully. Remember, the most important thing in performing a rescue is personal safety.
To get an idea of the information involved you can take a look at the video tutorials on sections of self rescue
