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Topic Date User

Rappeling with a Figure 8 device. 14-Jan-2009 At 7:50:55 AM climbau

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As a former Instructor and Guide (yes Simey, in the Blueys!), I saw and dealt with first hand the
consequences of having the rope larks foot on a figure 8. Nothing bad happened, but it was a hassle
and
freaked the punter out for the rest of the day. Potentially in a canyon situation the consequences could
be more severe than just being an inconvenience. Since that day I always made sure that the
"sausages
went into the frypan and around the handle". Thousands of punters later, I never had it happen again.
I see most potential for it occurring when abseiling over undercut starts (especially with people less
than
comfortable with the situation), and in caves where you have to abseil through a tight restricition(?).
Examples would be Blowfly cave at Bungonia, the "Coffin" at Diamond bay in Sydney, Juggler canyon
3rd abseil (the one off the tree up high on the left, which I am led to believe now has a sling up high
now).

Sticky:
Twice I had things catch in a descender. First time was as a beginner belaying with a HB Sherriff and
catching a lead fall. Poor technique(holding the rope too close to the device, which I see many
beginners
doing) lead to my thumb being dragged into the top of the device. Nearly broke it, but luckily held the
fall
and only walked away with a very sore and bruised thumb. Plus a bit more knowledge.
second was the classic hair in the figure 8. Looked very painful for the punter, needless to say I
double
checked every person from then on!!!