Running bowline on a pole, how reliable?

[will.morris]

Evening all

 

I'm just curious to know how reliable a running bowline when spiking a pole would be on catching you in the event of gaffing out? And if you ever had to come down on one I know your bodyweight would pull the line tight but in either situation is there a chance of their being the slightest about of slack that would cause it not to hold on the stem

 

Just wondered because I know we all do it but I've never *touch wood* been in a situation where its had to function. Be interested to here some views/experiences.

 

Been thinking about it because i was on a pole this morning that for whatever reason made me feel a bit on edge ... normally love topping then chogging.

[testcricket01]

I always set it to the side so its already biteing round the stem.

 

At college we had a spiking pole with a belay from pulley above and we got to try gaffing out in a safe way to give us convidence in the running bowline and the running bowline did its job.

[WorcsWuss]

Like James said, push it away from you and give it a gentle tug back and it will set straight away if you do drop, particularly if it's a nice 'fluffy' 13mm rope, only takes a second to do, keeps it out the way too.

[David Goss]

I use a running bowline all the time when chogging down a stem and I can say it works. I also use it to descend when the stem is a fellable height.

[will.morris]

Good to know cheers guys Think I'll have a play on a normal stem next time im practicing, stropped in initially just to get a feel for it and build my trust in it ... don't think I'd have felt as uncomfortable today (well now yesterday) if I was confident in it grabbing me in the event of a slip. Will try keeping it to the side as well, thanks