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The Machard tresse, or Mt, is a type of French Prusik knot used in climbing for abseiling or rappelling. Commonly used as a safety backup, this friction knot is simple to tie but more difficult to master. It is frequently confused with the Machard, the Valdotain or the Valdotain tresse but they are all different knots. The Machard and Machard tresse are tied with a loop of rope while the other two are tied with a length of rope with loops at each end. The Machard tresse adds braids to the Machard, simultaneously making it more secure and harder to…
Descending a rope requires proper equipment and careful concentration. Whether you're descending a cliff after climbing, lowering yourself into a cave, performing a rescue or working high above the ground, rappelling is very dangerous if you don't properly rig the descending device. You can prevent a serious accident by choosing the correct descending device and using it as designed. Anyone can descend a rope safely with the proper equipment and understanding.
The climbing rope, harness and carabiners comprise the main safety equipment required in modern rock climbing. While ropes themselves rarely fail, the connection points between the rope and equipment contribute to a large number of climbing accidents. Gear failure is certainly possible, but user error is far more preventable. To practice rock climbing successfully, correct usage of appropriate safety techniques should become second nature.
A figure 8 is a friction device used for rappelling and rope rescue work. The figure 8 is either cast aluminum or steel and is in the shape of a asymmetrical figure 8. The device requires the ropes be threaded into and around the device properly in order to activate friction of the rope and prevent rappelling too fast off the rope. Any type of climbing or rope rescue work requires a high degree of training and acumen. Do not attempt to use a figure 8 until you receive proper training and hands-on instruction.
Pulley-and-rope systems are employed in situations ranging from climbing and rescue to basic yard and tree pruning chores. To keep the system intact, it is necessary to tie off and anchor the rope and pulleys to prevent the ropes from coming out of the pulleys. The rope-and-pulley system is anchored by using rope cleats set on key locations or with a webbing anchor and carabiner, a metal clip.
The Canadian Rockies stretch from the plains of Alberta west into British Columbia, and from the US border north to the Liard River in northern BC. This mountain range features some of the most challenging ice, rock and alpine climbing in the world. You will need technical climbing training and a high level of physical fitness to tackle this rugged and steep terrain. Like many other climbers, you can book qualified guides through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides at www.acmg.ca. You can also sign up for a climbing partner at a local Mountain Equipment Co-op.
Whether you are climbing at a rock gym or outside on a crag, knowing how to effectively use a belay system can save your life. Consisting of a belay device, carabiner and harness, a belay system effectively allows the rope attached to the climber to pass through an adjustable friction system connected to the harness of a second person---the belayer. If the climber falls, the belayer's weight and the belay device's friction on the rope work together to arrest the climber's descent. By adjusting the level of friction applied on the rope, the belayer can both stop a fall and…
Learn what rock climbing belay devices, such as GriGri and automatic belay equipment and gear you need to get started climbing rocks in these free rock and mountain climbing videos.
Learn about the benefits of using a Grigri belay device in order to ensure that once you're out in the real wilderness you'll be able to stay safe, prevent slippage and remain upright in this free beginner rock climbing video series.
