Simon has recently run a course on Single Rope Technique (SRT) for four cavers from Kent University Caving Club. This is one of two courses Simon has created especially for university caving clubs, designed to help them stay safe underground and meet any requirements laid out by their student union.
The course syllabus includes:
A discussion of SRT equipment, the positive and negative properties of different types of harness, descenders and jammers. The proper care and maintenance of this equipment. The care of rope for SRT. Knots for SRT rigging. Rescue and Hauling techniques.
Day 1 included a practical session on rigging and derigging. This took place on a quarry face above ground which lends a bit of realism, but makes spotting and correcting errors easier.
Day 2 involved vertical rescue. First some practice at ground level (and some in depth discussion on a z-rig created with 3 Petzl tractions!) then an informal assessment on the rock face.
After day 1, the students still had enough energy to join Simon, Becky and Andy for a visit to Afton Red Rift – a local cave which despite its small size provides a great work-out!
