ATS Adventures, Tips, & Techniques

Episode 11: Bare Bones Self-Rescue

alpinets — Fri, 15 May 2009 06:22:50 +0000

Occasionally rock climbers and canyoneers are faced with the prospect of self-rescue. That is, the participant has encountered a situation where they cannot continue - the rope is too short, the rope is damaged, the rope is severed, etc… and they must ascend the rope to rescue themselves from that situation.

Ideally, if self-rescue is happening, you are equipped with a great setup of mechanical ascenders, foot loop of some sort, multiple chains, runners, carabiners, etc… that are all within reach of you. But, assuming you don’t have any of those items on your person, self-rescue can appear to be a daunting task.

However, if you possess a chain of some sort, an autoblock, and a rappel device you have all the tools you need to ascend back up your rope. In this technique tip we are just ascending on one rope, but the technique holds true for double rope ascensions as well.

If you practice the described technique please do so in as controlled an environment as possible. If you mis-rig this system you may fall and injure or kill yourself. Furthermore if you are unable to lock off your progress and your friction hitch fails you may also fall and injure or kill yourself. Regardless of the tools, self rescue is serious business and deserves some serious training.

Check out all the self-rescue training options at www.alpinets.com/canyoneering.html and www.alpinets.com/rockclimbing.html.

Episode 10: Washington Canyoneering Adventures

alpinets — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:25:34 +0000

In this video, join members of the ATS team as they explore a canyon in Southern Washington for a day of awesomeness.

Each year, ATS travels to the southern part of Washington State to teach our Three Day Canyoneering School and two day Advanced Rope Systems and Swiftwater Canyoneering class.

Our Three Day School which takes place in the beautiful rainforest canyons teaches beginners the basics of this ever growing sport. Our hands-on techniques and high teacher-student ratio ensure a positive and enriching learning experience for all participants.

For those that have canyoneering experience already, the CIV: Advanced Rope System course is a great next step. During this intensive two-day course, we’ll cover the finer points of rope/water interaction including controlled lower-outs and swiftwater tactics.

All these courses can be seen at www.alpinets.com

Episode 9: Can a rappel device burn through a rope?

alpinets — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 03:25:17 +0000

Can my rappel device melt through my rope? ATS presents an informative look at the question many have asked after getting off rappel while canyoneering or rock climbing and nearly burn themselves on a too hot rappel device. Many thanks to the Sterling Rope Company for use of their test lab.

DISCLAIMER Canyoneering and Rock Climbing are dangerous sports and require technical training. Do not attempt any of the ATS tips or techniques without professional supervision from trained professionals.

Canyoneering and Rock Climbing course information can be seen at www.alpinets.com

Episode 8: Rappelling Past a Knot

alpinets — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:25:47 +0000

One method for rappelling past a knot utilizing an autoblock (shunt device in this case) and a load releasable system (radium in this case). Efficient and easy with practice.

DISCLAIMER Canyoneering can be a dangerous sport and requires technical training. Do not attempt any of the ATS podcast tips without professional supervision from trained professionals.

Canyoneering course information can be seen at www.alpinets.com/canyoneering

ATS Adventure Podcast Series

alpinets — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 23:42:58 +0000

Welcome to the ATS Adventure Podcast. You’ll find a whole host of awesome adventure videos here - everything from instructional to environmental to just cool adventure destinations. Go ahead and use the sidebar on the right to subscribe so you never miss an epsiode. Interested in meeting us in person? Check out www.alpinets.com