Canyoneering vs. Canyoning Series: Setting rope length

In these series we'll take a look at not only the differences in risks, but also culture and practices.

When it comes to gear, in pro guiding, it is very easy to set standards of gear, practices and protocols company wide. So no surprises. No rope is too thin, or too thick, or that rappel device locks off this way, but that other one some other way. But when it comes to practices, two aspects that affect the the dynamics of the outing jump to mind:

• Your co-worker (or teammate) does not know how to set rope length.

In recreational canyoneering, very few practitioners go through a formal skills assessment, or took a course from the same training center, so bottom line in a Rondy, or online hookup....I've found that people do not know, OR do not trust the new partners to set rope length on rappels.

Setting up rappel length process:

• Agreeing on a communication protocol (Whistle: 1 stop, 2 short on/off rope, 2 long up rope, 3 short lower rope, 3 long SOS)

• Lower first person down to set rope length or....

• Throw rope short, have 1st person rap down, communicate, lower and set length

When you take a look at the process and required communication, trust and understanding between the rap station operator and 1st person down becomes.....critical.

Lack of familiarity on each other's gear (some not even carry a proper whistle) training and/or practices results in the these common sights during rec canyoneering:

• Too much rope at the bottom of rappels

• Awkward rappel disconnects while treading water and getting off rope

• Advocacy of not locking your rappel carabiner....to speed up swimming disconnects with excess rope in the water :)

• Fear of a partner going off at the end of the rope, ensuing in a stopper-knot vs. no stopper knot debate

• Putting your life in the hands of a new person in charge of lowering you...fast? slow? smoth? Has hands free backup?

In class A canyons, failing to set rope length is inconsequential. SW canyoneers relish throwing all the rope down practices. In class B, is an annoyance that can be tolerated. But in class C, as the numbers go up 3,4 (A3, A4) The lack of setting length discipline starts to matter more and more.

Bottom line seems to be that people prefer to take their chances threading water than falling due to another person messing up :)

Want to have a better chance at building trust at the trailhead ?

• Ask to see everybody's whistle

• Ask what communication protocol they use

• Ask to see a MMO tied

• Ask to see rappel rigging tool

• Ask for preference: Lower? Thow short? Blank stares?

Happy swimming or .... happy disconnects!