Objective
Make good decisions in rope management on challenge courses
Description
Kernmantel/ climbing ropes (ropes with a sheath and core component, made of nylon) are super important pieces of equipment and need to be treated with care.
- Avoid laying ropes in dirt or sand. it grinds into the rope causing undue wear to the rope, as well as wear to any hardware (carabiners, belay/repel devices, etc.)
- Avoid getting ropes wet that are not dry treated. If unsure on this, check the manufacturers information packet/pamplet.
- Inspect ropes daily for expressive sheath abrasion, and core pieces showing, or flat spots in the rope (which can indicate core damage). To do this, you can use the pinch test, when you pinch the rope together, if there is no gap what so ever on the bight, then that is a flat spot and an indication that there is damage to the inner core of the rope.
- Dirty ropes can be cleaned in a very delicate manner, best done by hand, with luke warm water and mild soap or detergent (Blue water ropes recommends baby wash). Most rope manufacturers strongly recommend NOT using a washing machine or hot water. Beal also makes a cleaner specifically for ropes and other soft goods.
- Do not store ropes in humid climates, near any liquid that could cause damage to the rope (solvents, cleaners, oil, gas, etc.), in extreme heat of cold, where rodents could potentially get in and chew them, etc.
- Always keep ropes tidy. Flake out rope beforehand to keep from getting knots, tangles, or coils, kinks or twists in rope while belaying.
Always consult the manufacturers literature and camp director, challenge course manager, ACCT, AMGA, UIAA, AAI, etc. for things you are unsure of.
