8.1 CANYONING TECHNIQUE: TRAVERSE LINES

8.1 TRAVERSE LINES

MOVEMENT ON ROPE

A traverse line is a horizontal safety line which canyoneers can secure themselves to, using their lanyards. The traverse line should provide protection through the whole length of the exposed section. Traverse lines are connected to anchors both at the start and at the end of the traverse route.

LET’S PUT IT IN CONTEXT:

As we are progressing in a canyon, we arrive at the next obstacle: a 30m waterfall. The anchor station is located at the edge of the pitch, and in order to reach it we have to pass through an exposed, slippery section. Attempting to reach the anchor station without securing ourselves may have serious outcomes…

In technical canyons, the person who rigs a rappel often becomes the Anchor Manager, or the person who ensures the anchor is rigged properly, helps others move through the anchor to the rappel, and cleans the anchor at the end. In order to minimize the risks of slippery or exposed sections, proficient Anchor Managers will install a traverse line.

IMPORTANT: We can ONLY secure ourselves to a traverse line and progress on it once the canyoneer that has rigged it signals that it is ready for use.

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You can also review all concepts covered in the eBook below.

eBook: Traverse Lines Level 1

There are 2 types of traverse lines: simple and