SRT

RANDALL’S ADVENTURE TRAINING ®
BASIC SINGLE ROPE TECHNIQUES

COPYRIGHT © 2014 RANDALL’S ADVENTURE TRAINING ®
SINGLE ROPE TECHNIQUES

An introductory course in the use of single rope techniques (SRT) for rappelling and
ascending in a wilderness environment. This is a basic outline for the student who has no
previous experience on rope. All techniques should be practiced with a qualified instructor!
Some techniques shown are improvised and are not rated as safe practices!
WARNING: Rappelling, ascending and other aspects of high-angle rope work are extremely hazardous. It is incumbent
on the user to seek qualified instruction, choose quality equipment and to understand the adequate safety procedures.
WILDERNESS ROPE TECHNIQUES

THIS BASIC OUTLINE COVERS:
Safety
Equipment
Knots
Anchors
Descending
Ascending
Belaying
Horizontal Lines
Independent Belays
Simple Hauls/Lowers

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
Static Rappelling Rope

Webbing
Locking Carabiners
Descending Device(s)
Ascending Device(s)
Prusik Cords
Rappelling Harness
Helmet
Gloves

SAFETY
Safety while using rappelling techniques can be divided into four areas:
1) Learning the skills (Get the basics down correctly!)

2) System setup (Use the best equipment without weak links)
3) Checking (Always double check to prevent mistakes)
4) Belaying (Rig it properly to catch any mistakes in 1-3 above)
For safety purposes rappelling has three main steps:
1) Properly anchoring the rope

2) Properly rigging the descender
3) Controlling the descent

SAFETY
1. Work a buddy system.
2. Speak up, regardless of your skill level.
3. Use the “Touch” System to verify all rigging.
4. Never use questionable equipment.
5. Always use a safety line when working close to the edge.
6. Always consider your margin of safety. (For example, if you weigh 170
pounds and the rope you are rappelling on is only rated for 200 pounds, then
your margin of safety is slightly better than 1:1. The slightest increase in
load such as a sudden stop may cause the system to fail.)
Most experts suggest a 10:1 factor for SRT and a 15:1 factor for rescue operations.
When working around a high-angle environment, every team member must

wear a safety helmet, gloves and safety line.
There is ALWAYS time for safety!


OVERCOMING FEAR
Fear is a normal response to heights, especially when trusting your

life to a thin rope. Overcome this fear by:
1) Learning the basics properly.

2) Having confidence in your equipment.
3) Using a belay system.
4) Concentrating on the equipment and task at hand, not the height.
5) Beginning your rappelling training at lower heights.

GEAR
Remember, your life is supported by the weakest link in the chain.
Never buy used equipment!

ROPE & WEBBING

3-Strand Twisted (military)
Static Kernmantle (less than 6% stretch)
Dynamic Kernmantle (above 6% stretch)
1 Inch Flat & Tubular Webbing
The most commonly used rappelling rope is 7/16” (11mm) and 1/2” diameter Static Kernmantle certified
by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1983/2012 Edition For Technical Rope Use. Technical
Use is rated at no less than 20kN. General Use is rated at no less than 40kN.
Technical Use is rated for one person loads at a 15:1 safety factor. General use is rated for two person
loads with a 15:1 safety factor.
Average Load Ratings Per Size:
8.0mm (5/16) – 15 kN or 3500 Lbs.

9.0mm (3/8) – 20 kN or 4500 Lbs.
11.1mm (7/16) – 30 kN or 7000 Lbs.
12.7mm (1/2) – 40 kN or 9000 Lbs.
25mm (1.0 Inch) (tubular webbing) – 17.8 kN or 4000 Lbs.
(1 Kilo Newton equals 224.8 Lbs.)


ROPE CARE
Avoid shock loading.

Avoid stepping on the rope.
Avoid using Chlorine bleach or chemicals.
Inspect rope before and after each use.
Wash rope after use in dirty environments.
Do not dry in a clothes dryer.
Store in a rope bag.
Don’t burn the rope with high friction rappels.
Always cut out any bad section or abrasion.
Protect the rope from all sharp edges.
Never buy a used rope for lifeline purposes.

WHEN TO RETIRE A ROPE / WEBBING
If the rope has taken a hard fall (shock loaded) or used for some
nonstandard use (such as towing a car), it should be retired.
Before and after every use each rope should be inspected along its
entire length. Feel the rope for changes in diameter (swelling or
shrinking), cuts or extreme abrasion. Any bad spots should be cut out
and discarded.

HARDWARE
Carabiners (Locking and non-locking)

Descenders (Figure 8’s, carabiners, etc.)
Acsenders (Prusiks and mechanical)

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
Helmet
Harness
Gloves
Knife
When working around load bearing ropes, knives should ONLY be

deployed as a last-ditch tool. It is imperative you verify what you are
cutting so you do not accidentally cut a load bearing rope or lifeline.

KNOTS
The weakest part of a rope under load is the knot. ALWAYS
properly dress and set every knot in the system. An un-dressed
knot can reduce the strength of the knot up to 50%.
There are numerous knots used in SRT and rescue operations.

For the purpose of this course we are only teaching a few basic
knots in these slides and will cover other knots in the field training
exercise.

DEFINITIONS
Hitch – A group of ties that wrap or attach to other objects or ropes.

Bend – A tie that brings together two rope ends.
Bight – A doubled section of rope that does not cross itself.
Loop –A turn of the rope that crosses itself.
Dressed – A tie with all components properly aligned.

Setting – Tightening all parts of a tie.
Working End – End of the rope used to fasten to an anchor

Standing End – All of the rope not fastened at the rigging point.
Running End – End of the rope that is not rigged.
A knot is not a knot until it is properly dressed

and set with a safety knot tied off.

FIGURE 8
Photo courtesy www.animatedknots.com
The Figure 8 family of knots are the most commonly used in

rope work due to their strength and ability to easily untie.

FIGURE 8 FOLLOW-THROUGH
For tying a single rope around an anchor or object.


FIGURE 8 ON A BIGHT
Most commonly used knot to attach

rope to anchor points and harness.

DOUBLE FIGURE 8
Common knot used to attach rope to rigging

points, harnesses, etc. in rescue operations.

FIGURE 8 BEND
For tying two ends of a rope together.


WATER KNOT
Preferred knot for tying two ends of webbing.


DOUBLE FISHERMAN
Used to tie two ends together. A secure knot with minimum size.
The main use is for tying Prusik loops.

PRUSIK HITCH
A friction knot used as a rope grab. The preferred

knot to use a self-belay for rappelling.

ALPINE BUTTERFLY
Used as a mid-line knot.


TENSIONLESS HITCH
(High-Strength Tie Off, Friction Wrap)
With the right anchor point, the Tensionless Hitch allows the rope
to be tied off without sacrificing rope strength, unlike a knot.

KNOT BREAKING STRENGTH
Percentage of Rope
Strength Lost*
Figure 8 On A Bight 20%

Figure 8 Bend 19%
Double Figure 8 18%
Bowline 33%
Double Fisherman 21%
*Test results printed in the CMC Rope Rescue Manual


ANCHORS

Various Anchor Concepts
(Concept photo created in vRigger software)


CARABINER TYPES
D Offset D Oval
Preferred Preferred Least Preferred
For rescue work, Technical Use carabiners are rated at no less than 27kN on the major axis
and 7 kN on the minor axis. General Use carabiners are rated at 40kN on the major axis and
11 kN on the minor axis.
Your should always assume damage, and retire from service, any aluminum carabiner that
has taken a fall of more than 10 feet.
G-Rated steel locking carabiners are the preferred carabiner for main rigging and rescue.

TRI-AXIAL LOADING
Major Axis Minor Axis
Avoid tri-axial loading and never load a carabiner along its minor axis!

TENSIONLESS HITCH
(High-Strength Tie Off, Friction Wrap)

FIGURE 8 FOLLOW-THROUGH


SIMPLE ANCHORS
Tri-Axial Loading Issues
Correct Incorrect

WRAP 3, PULL 2
(Note: water knot should always go against anchor)


BACK-TIES
Depending on the circumstances,

back-ties should be pre-tensioned

COMPOUND ANCHORS
Cross Webbing

LOAD DISTRIBUTING & SELF-EQUALIZING


ANCHOR LOAD RELATIONSHIP
With a 1000 pound load, there is a force of

707 Lbs. on each leg at 90 degrees.

ANCHORS WITH DIRECTION CHANGE
If you need need a direction change

in your mainline to clear an
obstruction or to make the rappel
more accessible, rig the direction
change the same way you would rig
a main anchor. It is important to
remember the anchor load
relationship (previous slide) and the
increased stresses that vectors may
apply to the anchor.

TAKE-DOWN ANCHORS
Do not use this

system on small
diameter anchors
since it may side
load the carabiner
Take-Down
Line Load
Line
DO NOT rappel on the wrong line!

Note: This is NOT an approved system for rappelling. It is, however, a system that is used
by Randall’s Adventure & Training for quick take-down rappels. Use at you own risk!

IMPROVISED ANCHORS
Vehicles
Pickets
Bushes
Climbing Bolts
1” Diameter Picket has an

average weight holding of
700 Lbs. In average loamy soil

EDGE
PROTECTION
All places where a rope or webbing
touches a sharp edge should
be protected with rope pads, clothes,
canvas tarps or other materials.
This is especially applicable when
ascending a rope due to the up
and down sawing action caused by your
movement up the rope.

DESCENDERS
There are numerous descending devices on the market, including
Figure 8 variations, racks, shunts, Grigris, etc. For the purposes of
the rappelling section of this course we are limiting descenders to
the simplicity of a Figure 8 and showing an improvised device.

FIGURE 8
Working End It should be noted that some users of a

to anchor Figure 8 descender rig the rope with the
bight going through the top of the 8
instead of the bottom. The suggested
method by CMC Rescue is to start the
bight through the bottom of the 8 (as
shown in the photo).
Attaches to
harness with a
locking carabiner Brake
Hand

CARABINER WRAP & MUNTER HITCH

Note: A carabiner wrap is an improvised technique and should only be used in an
emergency rappelling situation when no other load rated descending device is available.
DO NOT use in rescue situations! These hitches may wear an aluminum carabiner quickly.
Working End
Carabiner Wrap Munter Hitch
Add more wraps

to increase friction.
Attaches To Harness

RAPPELLING

Anchor
Rope
Grab
Hardware


SAFETY CHECKOFF BEFORE RAPPEL
Gloves and helmet on

Verify your anchor is properly rigged
Verify your rope is secured to the anchor
Verify your harness is secure and properly fastened
Verify your belay
Verify the rope is properly rigged into your descender
Verify that all carabiners are locked
There is ALWAYS time for safety!


ROPE DEPLOYMENT
Rig your anchor and then attach rope.
Attach yourself to the rope with a prusik hitch (or other rope grab)
from your harness to the rope.
Attach your descending device.
Verify your belays.
Deploy the rope over the edge (rope bags are suggested).
If you are unsure if the rope reaches the bottom, tie a stop knot in the
running end of the rope so you don’t accidentally rappel off the end.

AUDIBLE COMMANDS
Rappeller shouts “On belay” when he/she attaches to the lifeline

Belayer responds “Belay on”
Rapeller shouts “Rappelling” as he/she moves to the edge
Belayer responds “Rappel on”
Rappeller shouts “Off rappel” once he/she detaches from the rope
Anyone who sees any object fall from the top shouts “Rock!”

WORKING THE EDGE
Going over the edge is the most difficult part of rappelling. The lower your anchor point is
in relation to your descender, the more difficult it will be. On narrow overhangs (as shown in
the photo on the right), you may have to roll off the edge. Make sure your descender is clear
of the edge and you are holding brake tension before attempting this maneuver.

BELAYING

SELF BELAY & AUTO-BLOCKS
This belay system is not a backup for a mainline failure.


BOTTOM BELAY
This belay system is not a

backup for a mainline failure.


INDEPENDENT BELAYS
Although independent belays are not classed as single rope techniques (SRT),
they are the safest of the belay systems since they use a separate rope for the
belay line. Should the mainline fail, the belay line remains intact.
When setting up independent top belays, it is advisable to use a separate

anchor from the mainline and keep all slack out of the belay line so the rope is
not shock loaded if the mainline fails.

INDEPENDENT BELAYS
From Top
From Bottom With
Direction Change


SELF RESCUE
Stuck Belay Prusik
Figure 8 Girth Hitching & Jams

BUDDY RESCUE
Pick Off Straps
(Static & Compound Advantage)
Cutting An
Active Rope

CHANGING
DIRECTIONS
What goes down may have to come up!

ASCENDING WITH MECHANICAL ASCENDERS


TYING OFF A FIGURE 8

Standing Line
1. Grip the Figure 8 with the left hand.

2. With your brake hand bring the rope
over the top and between the Figure 8
and the standing line.
3. Wrap at least 2 times.
Normal Rappel Tied Off


CHANGEOVER TO ASCEND
1. Tie off Figure 8 descender (or allow self-belay prusik to take the load).
2. Attach prusik cord just above Figure 8 and attach to harness (If you
are already using a self-belay prusik cord then you can use this).
3. Untie Figure 8 and slowly allow the prusik to take the load (No need to
do this if you have already transferred load to the self-belay prusik)
4. Attach ascender with foot loop below the harness prusik and place
your foot into the foot loop.
5. Push up with your leg in the foot loop. This will raise you high enough
to take the load off of the harness prusik.
6. Push harness prusik up the rope and transfer your weight to it.
7. Remove Figure 8 from system and secure.
8. Repeat pushing up with your leg and transferring weight until you
reach the top.

CHANGEOVER TO RAPPEL
1. Allow harness prusik cord to hold your weight.
2. Attach Figure 8 to rope below prusik. Remove as much rope
slack as possible, then hold with brake hand like a normal
rappel.
3. With other hand, move the ascender with the foot loop up as
high as possible, then push up with your leg, removing slack in
the Figure 8 as you go up.
4. Once all slack is removed from Figure 8, transfer the load to
the Figure 8 by lowering yourself with your pushing leg.
5. Tie off Figure 8.
6. Remove ascender with foot loop and secure.
7. Remove harness prusik (or leave on as a self-belay)
8. Slowly untie Figure 8 making sure you maintain rope friction
around 8.
9. Rappel normally.

ASCENDING WITH PRUSIKS
Ascending with prusiks is the same principle as using mechanical

ascenders. Be sure to carry both the harness and foot prusiks with
you when you rappel, and make sure their length is adjusted to work
as ascenders.
It is always best to design and test your prusiks and ascender cords
on the ground first. Test them by climbing the rope from ground up
before you need them on a rappel.

RIGGING A FIGURE 8 ON ROPE

WITHOUT DROPPING IT
Store 8 on harness with Unclip 8 from carabiner. The

carabiner clipped through rope is now holding the 8.
large hole. Rig rope through Clip the 8 back into the small
the 8 without unclipping it. hole and start your rappel.


ETRIERS
Etriers are short manufactured or field fabricated “ladders” made

from webbing. They are extremely handy for negotiating over the
edge when ascending a rope with prusiks or mechanical ascenders.

MINIMAL WILDERNESS GEAR

(For Rappelling)
Rappel Rope
Harness, Riggers Belt or Improvised Seat
Carabiner
Descending Device (or extra carabiner)
Optional:
Prusik Cords
Ascenders
Webbing

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Improvised Harness
Passing Knots
Balanced Rappels
Re-Belays & Deviations
Disconnecting While Swimming

HORIZONTAL TRAVERSE
(Tyrolean Traverse)

HORIZONTAL LINES

HORIZONTAL LINE GEAR

(MINIMAL)
Rope
Harness
Pulley or Carabiner to ride the line
Safety Line
Tag Lines

SINGLE ROPE QUICK TENSIONING
Note: This is an improvised technique!
Quick system to tension a horizontal line using only

the line, carabiners and an opposing anchor point.

HORIZONTAL LINE SYSTEMS


TWIN HORIZONTAL LINE SYSTEMS


BASIC RESCUE
HAULS & LOWERS

SIMPLE 3:1 HAUL & LOWERING SYSTEMS
Racks shown for changeover

from haul to lower.
3:1 Haul With

System Independent
Belay


SIMPLE HAUL & LOWERING SYSTEMS
Low to Mid-Angle
Hauls With Sked


SUGGESTED STUDY
CMC Rope Rescue Manual: ISBN 0-9618337-7-7

http://www.cmcrescue.com/
Vertical Academy: ISBN 1300644036
Canyoneering: ISBN 0762782730
On Rope: ISBN 978-1-879961-05-0

http://www.caves.org

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RANDALL’S ADVENTURE TRAINING ®

BASIC SINGLE ROPE TECHNIQUES

SINGLE ROPE TECHNIQUES

WILDERNESS ROPE TECHNIQUES

THIS BASIC OUTLINE COVERS:

WILDERNESS ROPE TECHNIQUES

Static Rappelling Rope

WILDERNESS ROPE TECHNIQUES

1) Learning the skills (Get the basics down correctly!)

For safety purposes rappelling has three main steps:

1) Properly anchoring the rope

WILDERNESS ROPE TECHNIQUES

When working around a high-angle environment, every team member must

There is ALWAYS time for safety!

WILDERNESS ROPE TECHNIQUES

Fear is a normal response to heights, especially when trusting your

1) Learning the basics properly.

WILDERNESS ROPE TECHNIQUES

WILDERNESS ROPE TECHNIQUES

ROPE & WEBBING

Average Load Ratings Per Size:

8.0mm (5/16) – 15 kN or 3500 Lbs.

(1 Kilo Newton equals 224.8 Lbs.)

WILDERNESS ROPE TECHNIQUES

Avoid shock loading.

WILDERNESS ROPE TECHNIQUES

WHEN TO RETIRE A ROPE / WEBBING

WILDERNESS ROPE TECHNIQUES

Carabiners (Locking and non-locking)

WILDERNESS ROPE TECHNIQUES

When working around load bearing ropes, knives should ONLY be

WILDERNESS ROPE TECHNIQUES

There are numerous knots used in SRT and rescue operations.

WILDERNESS ROPE TECHNIQUES

Hitch – A group of ties that wrap or attach to other objects or ropes.

Dressed – A tie with all components properly aligned.

Working End – End of the rope used to fasten to an anchor

A knot is not a knot until it is properly dressed

WILDERNESS ROPE TECHNIQUES

Photo courtesy www.animatedknots.com

The Figure 8 family of knots are the most commonly used in

WILDERNESS ROPE TECHNIQUES

Photo courtesy www.animatedknots.com

For tying a single rope around an anchor or object.

WILDERNESS ROPE TECHNIQUES

Most commonly used knot to attach

WILDERNESS ROPE TECHNIQUES

Common knot used to attach rope to rigging

WILDERNESS ROPE TECHNIQUES

Photo courtesy www.animatedknots.com

For tying two ends of a rope together.

WILDERNESS ROPE TECHNIQUES

Photo courtesy www.animatedknots.com

Preferred knot for tying two ends of webbing.

WILDERNESS ROPE TECHNIQUES

Photo courtesy www.animatedknots.com

WILDERNESS ROPE TECHNIQUES

Photo courtesy www.animatedknots.com

A friction knot used as a rope grab. The preferred