Hello

I am a new "climber" (if I can call myself that). For a couple of times I set-up anchor and practiced jumaring and rapping off the cliff.

Here is how I set-up my line, with a minimum (none) equipment.


The two anchor points are two strong trees (even one would be enough). The angle between anchors is about 30-50 deg. and line between two trees is freely slacking.

Is the setup/knots/etc. correct?

Hello

I am a new "climber" (if I can call myself that). For a couple of times I set-up anchor and practiced jumaring and rapping off the cliff.

Here is how I set-up my line, with a minimum (none) equipment.


The two anchor points are two strong trees (even one would be enough). The angle between anchors is about 30-50 deg. and line between two trees is freely slacking.

Is the setup/knots/etc. correct?

Thanks for reply.

What is the benefit of wrapping around the tree?

As for bowline, I do know how to tie it, I just prefer figure 8.

Hello

I am a new "climber" (if I can call myself that). For a couple of times I set-up anchor and practiced jumaring and rapping off the cliff.

Here is how I set-up my line, with a minimum (none) equipment.


The two anchor points are two strong trees (even one would be enough). The angle between anchors is about 30-50 deg. and line between two trees is freely slacking.

Is the setup/knots/etc. correct?

Since you insist, here is the scenario where this was practical.

So, yes, there are many other optimal ways to make anchors, but with the gear we had during those times it was not possible.

The fact that I "invented" the set-up on the fly made me wonder if it was safe.

That is correct, the question I meant was whether it was safe.

Since you insist, here is the scenario where this was practical. There is a 30 meter cliff close to place where I live. You can walk both to the top and the bottom of the rock. Couple of times my friends and I went to the place and we had only rope, harness, ATC device and couple of carabiners and ascenders.

We walked to the top, fixed the rope as in the picture and rappelled down. After that we would either walk up and rappel again or would ascend the rope using Jumars. At the end of the day we untied the rope and went home.

Well... I know what you are thinking, but I said in the very beginning of my post:

"I am a new "climber" (if I can call myself that)"

So, yes, there are many other optimal ways to make anchors, but with the gear we had during those times it was not possible. The fact that I "invented" the set-up on the fly made me wonder if it was safe.

That's it.

I can't think of any situation, including yours, where 3 consecutive follow-through figure 8's are even remotely practical.

That's not correct, but you don't know enough yet to realize that, so.....

Don't get all defensive on my account. I'm simply trying to clarify the point.

But to be honest, from your tone, I get the impression that you're actually not interested in a discussion on best practices. You just want to know if you could've died on your setup.

If that's so, I won't bother taking the time to respond about what the best method might've been.

Cheers,

GO

5. Wears the expensive rope

A brief follow up on this (and Jim Titt's comments) to make sure you actually understand. You did not specify what sort of rope you were using (static or dynamic), and what the cliff edge was like. You could have a ridiculously strong anchor, but end up cutting your rope jumaring (or swinging / bouncing on rappel). A static rope will take more abuse, but if the edge is sharp you should pad it, or avoid loading a rope or webbing over it.

A more general point is that there may be things you are unaware of that should be considered, and those of us not there cannot fully guess all the things you should have considered to know if you were safe or lucky. There are a number of resources (e.g. books, classes) that will give you a good introduction on those things.

That is correct, the question I meant was whether it was safe.

Since you insist, here is the scenario where this was practical. There is a 30 meter cliff close to place where I live. You can walk both to the top and the bottom of the rock. Couple of times my friends and I went to the place and we had only rope, harness, ATC device and couple of carabiners and ascenders.

We walked to the top, fixed the rope as in the picture and rappelled down. After that we would either walk up and rappel again or would ascend the rope using Jumars. At the end of the day we untied the rope and went home.

Well... I know what you are thinking, but I said in the very beginning of my post:

"I am a new "climber" (if I can call myself that)"

So, yes, there are many other optimal ways to make anchors, but with the gear we had during those times it was not possible. The fact that I "invented" the set-up on the fly made me wonder if it was safe.

That's it.

If as you say both trees are stout and you just wanted backup. You're using a 10.5 static with a padded rock edge, then I would do the following.

Just make a big loop around both trees and tie a follow trough fig8.
Look at the Triangle in this photo and substitute a knot for the carabiner. It shows a sling anchor but just imagine its all rope with a knot where the biner is. AKA American Death Triangle, but it's totally safe for what you're doing.

OK, if it were me, I would bring a separate line so as not to wear my good rope over the edge. I would also bring a couple of slings for the trees.

I would probably do something similar to what you have, but in place of the fig-8s on each tree, I would simply clove hitch each tree.

And no problem about your English - it seems better than that of most native speakers on this site!

That sounds like a terrible solution to me.

GO

Ok, on the tree side it is no doubt will save from wearing, but since I need to start rappelling from the ground on top I cannot have slings, etc. overhanging the edge,...

Why not? There are many established raps in climbing where the anchor or your attachment to the rope is below the edge (eg: a rappel tree that is on the edge of a ledge) where you start by sitting on the edge.... One of the standard descents at Seneca starts this way.

Is that correct?

Probably bit more dangerous (meaning prone to mistakes) than standard way?!

Sure, but then tell me why not.


So tell me what would be another option.