Managing a two-rope system
Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2010 11:51 pm
Okay guys,
I'm looking at switching to a half-rope system because of the obvious benefits it exhibits on both alpine and ice climbing.
There's just one thing that I am worried about before committing to buy the ropes and that is the belay technique involved in managing two ropes- both for belaying a leader as well as (and maybe more importantly still) bringing up the follower at the end of a pitch.
I was curious to hear what works and what doesn't in managing the rope mess. When you're bringing up the follower, what is the best way to keep the two ropes separate without taking the hand off the belay too much? Should I utilize a belay via auto-block more than directly from the hip?
All advice is greatly appreciated. Half-ropes are an investment and I don't want to see 'em sit in the closet because of the ease in using a single rope.
[/b]
I'm looking at switching to a half-rope system because of the obvious benefits it exhibits on both alpine and ice climbing.
There's just one thing that I am worried about before committing to buy the ropes and that is the belay technique involved in managing two ropes- both for belaying a leader as well as (and maybe more importantly still) bringing up the follower at the end of a pitch.
I was curious to hear what works and what doesn't in managing the rope mess. When you're bringing up the follower, what is the best way to keep the two ropes separate without taking the hand off the belay too much? Should I utilize a belay via auto-block more than directly from the hip?
All advice is greatly appreciated. Half-ropes are an investment and I don't want to see 'em sit in the closet because of the ease in using a single rope.
[/b]