The Rock Climbing Rope Guide
In here I will teach you the differences between two main rope types used in sport climbing and the characteristics of each one.
I will refer you to two very excellent, recommended and cheap ropes.
Hi,
I'm Jim Brody, originally from Santa Cruz, California.
I started climbing when I was 17 and since then - that's pretty much all I do!
I decided to pass on some of the knowledge I gathered over the years, hoping to get more of you out there climbing. In this article I will cover one of the basic gear of sport climbing - the rock climbing rope.
Enjoy!
I'm Jim Brody, originally from Santa Cruz, California.
I started climbing when I was 17 and since then - that's pretty much all I do!
I decided to pass on some of the knowledge I gathered over the years, hoping to get more of you out there climbing. In this article I will cover one of the basic gear of sport climbing - the rock climbing rope.
Enjoy!
The rope
The first ingredient in sportive rock climbing is the climbing rope. The ropes in sportive climbing divide into two main categories: Static and Dynamic.
Static rope: most suitable for top-rope climbing and rappelling due to its less elastic nature, in order to reduce bounciness and make it easier for a person to descend. I recommend buying about 60 meters of rope (enough for most cliffs and not too heavy) and 10.3-10.6 mm in diameter. Singing Rock Route 44 static rope.
Dynamic rope: used for lead climbing. The rope has a certain amount of elasticity and therefore relieving the hit on a climber when falling. It is not recommended to use a dynamic rope for any other use because extensive tension on it damages its elasticity. Buy a rope that's 9.6-10.3 mm in diameter (the thinner the rope is it'll be lighter and easier to use. However, it'll wear out faster).
Check out Mammut Promo Dry Rope 10mmx60m.
Few tips:
Static rope: most suitable for top-rope climbing and rappelling due to its less elastic nature, in order to reduce bounciness and make it easier for a person to descend. I recommend buying about 60 meters of rope (enough for most cliffs and not too heavy) and 10.3-10.6 mm in diameter. Singing Rock Route 44 static rope.
Dynamic rope: used for lead climbing. The rope has a certain amount of elasticity and therefore relieving the hit on a climber when falling. It is not recommended to use a dynamic rope for any other use because extensive tension on it damages its elasticity. Buy a rope that's 9.6-10.3 mm in diameter (the thinner the rope is it'll be lighter and easier to use. However, it'll wear out faster).
Check out Mammut Promo Dry Rope 10mmx60m.
Few tips:
- For safety reasons, it is recommended to disqualify the rope 5 years after production.
- Imbedded in the rope is information about the rope's width, brand, year of production and more. In order to get to the information simply cut the rope near its end with a heated, sharp knife.
- After some time using the rope, it may become curled. In order to fix it, tie a little string to each end of the rope and stretch it with a friend. Let all the curling of the rope move to the strings and then cut them.
- When buying a new rope, it is recommended to dip it in a tub of water for a night, to strengthen the rope's fibers and tighten the connection between the rope's core to its outer layer. Do not dry out the rope by hanging it.
- If you're planning on climbing in routes near water or in water, purchase a rope that is water-proof. A little more expensive.
- Never bring any fire, cigarettes, oil or any chemical material near the rope. Never smoke while belaying.
Want more?
Check out my other articles!
- The complete rock climbing handbook
- A comprehensive article - all you need to start climbing.
- The rock climbing shoes guide
- Covering everything you need to know about shoes.
Tell me what you think!
Was this helpful for you? Plaese comment.
Feel free to write me at yargo4@gmail.com for any qustions, remarks, or complains you might have.
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by JimBrody
Jim Brody.
Proffesional climbing instructor and climbing junkie.
Climbing for over 20 years and guides climbing groups all over the globe.
Specia...
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