both ends of your rope

[Andy Clark]

Ha Ha, i wouldn't be so sure, as i'm about to put a spanner in the works!! lol

 

I climb on both ends.... have done or 15/16 years or more. 1 rope, 2 Prussik loops, 2 Krabs.... what more do you need?? lol

 

Back in the day (I was at Merrist Wood 94/95), using both ends was seen as a "revolutionary" new method of climbing and looked upon with awe and amazement.

 

And with people like Jack Kenyon (once seen as GOD amongst climbers) pushing and promoting the technique, who were we to argue?

 

I spent a bit of time teaching ND Arb and C+G Phase II a couple of years ago now, and taught all my students to climb with both ends too!

 

Don't get me wrong, i've got nothing against one end and strop, or SRT,or lockjacks, or any of the other climbing methods out there, but i strongly think that everyone should be taught the basics first, then allowed to try and test different techniques and develop their own style.

 

Must admit though, i bought a Grillon from the APF 3 years ago, but only as it was on sale (show special.... 20 quid from George Karrs. BARGAIN!!) and to this day, i still only ever use it as a strop for... ahem.... "free climbing" round small fruit trees, or when walking along the tops of Conifer Hedges.

[Andy Collins]

I dont think there is a right or wrong with the technique, just worries me when I see the loop dangling in the drop zone, and therefore is something else to watch for. I probably worry too much.

[Nick Waring]

I dont think there is a right or wrong with the technique, just worries me when I see the loop dangling in the drop zone, and therefore is something else to watch for. I probably worry too much.

 

but surely andy your rope should be out of the way of the drop zone before your cutting?

[Rupe]

Sure as a teaching technique its fine and a perfectly good way to get up a tree if you like slow climbing. But for work you should drop one end. You can't drag both ends around the tree! forget about dropping stuff in the loop, what about catching it on everything as you move around the tree!

 

Times have changed, get with the program.

[Mark Bolam]

As above.

[MasterBlaster]

There is nothing wrong or dangerous using both ends of your rope. How in the world would you "bomb a limb" on your rope? When I drop something, my rope is above me, not below me. Nothing to it.

[Rupe]

Also, climbing constantly with both ends of the same rope would make rescue difficult if both ends are attached in the tree. You would need a long rope or one side might have to be cut (making the original rope shorter anyway) or you might have to be rescued on a the rescuers rope (increased risk). there are reasons that these techniques have been updated since the 90's.

 

Who cares if it was revolutionary at the time and everyone was impressed! Use the techniques that are revolutionary now.

[Rupe]

How is it all above you MB?

[MasterBlaster]

How is it below me?

[Stephen Blair]

How is it below me?

 

gravity:001_tongue:if i am doing a job with loads of large limbs i usually coil the rope up and stick it over a crotch to keep it out of the way:001_smile: