Adventist Youth Honors Answer Book/Recreation/Abseiling

8. Explain the difference between dynamic and static rope.
Dynamic rope is usually used for climbing activities where stretch to absorb the shock from a leader fall while on belay or climbing while roped with a team is expected. The dynamic function decreases deceleration injury and preserves the rope. After hard falls ropes may need to be retired from leader use.

Static ropes are built with little or no stretch. They are best suited for caving, Abseiling and static safety tied ropes.

9. Know the right type of equipment needed for abseiling.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

A helmet will protect your head from falling rocks or other impacts. Here is what you should look for.  Light weight  Well ventilated  Fits comfortably on your head and you can forget you’re even wearing soon after you put it on. Always wear a helmet.

A harness. A wide padded waist belt harness with loops for carrying gear is good. Tape harnesses are ample but not very comfortable. The harness must be fitted correctly...it should be fitted firmly above the hips around the waist first, then leg loops should be adjusted firmly. There should be no pressure spots, wedging or chaffing from quality harness.

Gloves. Novices such as school groups who do abseiling only while on an instructors safety belay will usually use gloves. Their hands are soft and easily blistered and as a beginner they tend to get rope burn by letting the rope loose then grasping it in fear or excitement. Choose gloves that fit your hand size, and not the one size fits all type garden variety. The perfect glove is a mitten type with padded palms and exposed fingers.

Footwear. Climbing shoes are not necessary but sturdy footwear is recommended.

Ropes...

Belay devices...

10. Know the best way to store your ropes, e.g. coiling and chaining.
Be aware that moisture, extreme temperatures Ultraviolet light, chemicals, abrasion and dirt can all damage ropes. Keeping them clean, dry and protected is mission critical to a full lifespan of the rope.

d. Broken bone
Splints

Forearm

Upper Arm

Kneecap

Ankle