Does the first climber do it bit by bit until those behind have a decent distance to climb? In my head they’re climbing using a rope that’s anchored 20 feet above them. If so, how does it get there?
In: 272
To hell with the gym and its rock wall. Likewise top roping. You are climbing a wall. You are on lead. Your partner is below you and ready to protect you against a life ending fall. When you begin you say “on belay.” He responds “belay on.” This way each of you knows that you are about to begin climbing and his job is to secure the rope if you pop loose.
The art of climbing involves controlled risk. As you go vertical you set bits of protection (“pro”) in the wall. You connect the rope to the pro using some sort of loop and a carabiner. You thread the rope through the carabiner. As you proceed you are confident that the maximum fall you may sustain is equal to twice the distance between you and the last piece of pro.
It is also true that ropes will be categorized as static or dynamic. Go for dynamic. Because they are designed to stretch a bit if you fall. Static ropes will not stretch, and you will hate life if the rope arrests your fall and your body bends in half to absorb the impact.
The difference between top roping, or gym climbing, and real climbing is that the protection usually is not waiting for you. Popular climbing routes, including state or federal routes, may have protection set by the park service or other climbers. Trust that protection at your own risk.
Me? Retired SAR sergeant and rigger, SD County Sheriff Department
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