Moderator: Tim White
NZcaver wrote:Another type of rappel safety you sometimes see used by cavers is the Autobloc or 'French wrap' rigged BELOW your descender. See this previous topic for more info. The favorite ways to back up a rappel topic also has some good info. But like you just found out, rappel safeties DO NOT ALWAYS WORK. Check out this video and forum discussion from earlier this year.
snowaydude wrote:We all now agree that having a self locking device for lowering is essential for future adventures.
gindling wrote:I for one would NEVER use a bottom belay/ firemans belay unless I was SRT practicing in a building or off a building. One of the cardinal rules of rope work is to have no one in the fall zone.
LukeM wrote:gindling wrote:I for one would NEVER use a bottom belay/ firemans belay unless I was SRT practicing in a building or off a building. One of the cardinal rules of rope work is to have no one in the fall zone.
Just to be clear, there's no requirement that you stand in the rockfall zone while giving a bottom belay. Sometimes if I know the lip is clear of all loose rock and debris I'll belay below the person, but often it's possible to stand well to the side while still being able to give the rope a big old pull if needed. As noted in the book Alpine Caving Techniques, you can also route the rope through a re-direct for a slick solution.
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