Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Pioneering Tip #9

-Climb On-

When you go climbing/repelling you will need to know a few different knots.  Depending on the type of system you're going off of, you might have to know as little as no knots, or as many as actually tying your "harness."

**Disclaimer:  Do NOT use these lines without practice and guidance.  Improper use of these knots may result in death**

Figure-8:  The figure-8 knot has several versions which can be built into climbing.
Standard-Not used to often in climbing, but does create the pattern that will be used again later.  Take a piece of rope and let a portion (8" keeps it easy) dangle.  Next, take the dangling portion and wrap it around the other piece 1.5 turns.  Once the turns are complete, stick the leading end of the rope through the upper hole.  Pull tight and you have a figure-8
Follow-Through-This version is sometimes used to join 2 climbing ropes in a manner that maintains tension, it is also very good at going over surfaces and not losing efficiency.


In the image above, steps 1-4 demonstrate a figure-8 and steps 5-8 continue the process to create a figure-8 follow-through
On a Bite-This knot is useful in order to create a bite so that you can attach carabiners to the knot and yourself.  To complete this knot, simply do the same steps as the figure-8, except this time you will fold the rope twice so that when you complete the knot, you are pulling two pieces around the line.
Prusik Knot:  This knot can be used as your main climbing device.  It is made so that when tension is put on it the knot does not slide and holds in place.  
Swiss-Seat:  You may go somewhere that does not use harnesses, in that case, you will either be free-climbing, or you will be required to make a Swiss-Seat

These are all great knots to know and use, especially to show off to your friends. 

Fuse it, Lash it, Tie on!  

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