Seattle Basic Alpine Field Trip #3 -  Rappels, Belays, Climbing, & Anchors

Field trip: Basic Alpine Climbing Course

Seattle Basic Alpine Field Trip #3 - Rappels, Belays, Climbing, & Anchors - Mountaineers Seattle Program Center

Basic Field Trip #3 - Rappels, Belays, Climbing, & Anchors. Mandatory FT

  • Sun, Feb 19, 2023
  • Seattle Climbing
  • Climbing
  • Adults
  • Easy

8am South plaza, the FT will run until 4pm

Students with rappelling experience (more than 10 rappels), and are comfortable with rappel start with Station 2, followed by Station 3, Station 4, and Station 1. At Station 1 they can try the 3 locking carabiner alternate rappel. Everyone else does Station 1 as described below.

If you start at Station 4, progression is 4, 1, 2, 3. Start at Station 3, progression is 3, 4, 1, 2. Start at Station 2, progression is 2, 3, 4, 1. Start at Station 1, progression is 1, 2, 3, 4.

 Station 1: Rappel Introduction (South Plaza Boulders).

Students at this station make multiple rappels with extension, but without auto-block. Once students show good comfort, then add the auto-block. Students with rigid sole boots may choose to wear hiking boots or running shoes. Idea is to make it easy for new rappellers.

  • Partner check.

  • Safe assembly and use of Personal Anchor System.

  • Rappel with extension, but without auto-block.

  • Rappel with extension, and auto-block only when/if ready.

 Station 2: Rappel and Climbing (Outside wall, South Plaza).

  • Partner check.

  • Climbing technique. In control, balance & use of foot holds.

  • Safe assembly, and use of Personal Anchor System for rappel.

  • Safe assembly, and use of rappel extension.

  • Safe assembly, and use of auto-block.

  • Use of rappel commands.

  • Rappel safely, and comfortably with device.

  • Rappel with device while wearing a pack.

  • Demonstrate a leg wrap while on rappel.

  • Demonstrate a Fireman’s belay.

 Station 3: Belay Weight Drop and Belay Tie-off (Basement).

The Station Leader/Mentor raises the bag simulating a top-rope belay. Raising the bag is a good time to give the belayer a quick drop. The idea is to give the belayer an idea of the force involved, and the importance of considering the direction of force. Once the bag is raised to the top, slowly lower the bag. Lowering the bag simulates belaying a leader. Surprise the belayer with quick drops only when the belayer is positioned in a safe location.

  • Full Partner check. (see FT1 Station 1)

  • Use of climbing commands.

  • Rope handling and rope management. Keeping a hand on the brake rope at all times, being aware of brake position, and moving hands only when in a brake position.

  • Belayer anchored, or not anchored? When, & why?

  • Belayer position/stance considers direction of force.

  • PBUS belay with device. Note:the acronym fits top-rope belay, but not lead belay.

  • Tie-off the belay to go hands free.

  • Repeat the exercise with a munter belay, keeping in mind that the munter brake position is multi-directional.

  Station 4a: Friction Slabs (Basement).

  • Lacing and fit of boots for slabs.

  • Controlled movement (weight over foot).

  • Smooth transition from one foot to another.

  • Low angle slab – no hand contact.

  • High angle slab – hands for balance only.

  • Ascend each slab at least once (time permitting).

Concepts and Discussion.

Proprioception – when weight is over the ball of the foot.

Why is “heels down” critical for slab climbing?

Does “heels down” apply to other situations?

What is the matter with edging on slabs?

 

Station 4b: 3 Locking Carabiner alternate rappel method. (Basement rappel ramps).

  • Practice safe rigging and use.

Route/Place

Mountaineers Seattle Program Center


Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Be sure to bring the materials listed below. Mark your equipment so that you will be able to identify it when it gets mixed in with other gear. 

    • Boots or appraoch shoes.  Climbing shoes are optional
    • A day pack to hold your gear
    • Your practice rope
    • Belay Device
    • 2' Prussik Loop, (aka Hero Loop)
    • 2 locking carabiners
    • 1 large, locking pear-shaped carabiner
    • 6 "general purpose" carabiners (do not need to be oval or solid gate)
    • 1 commercial seat harness
    • Helmet
    • Belay glove
    • (1) 120cm Nylon sewn sling. Multi-purpose sling for rappel rigging & more or a PAS for rapelling.
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