8.2 CANYONING TECHNIQUE: MASTER POINT

8.2 MASTER POINT

OVERVIEW

Teammates clipped into the Master Point

Before we start rappelling, we first need to approach the anchor station, either by using a Traverse line or just by walking to it.

Anchor stations are typically located near the top of a pitch (e.g. edge of a cliff or a waterfall). This means that while we are preparing for our descent, rigging the rope to our descender etc, we will be standing very close to a potentially dangerous cliff edge.

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Master Carabiner Close-Up

We saw that often anchor stations are located near potentially dangerous cliff edges. Therefore it is vital that as soon as we reach the anchor station we clip our lanyards securely and then proceed with the rest of our descent preparation in full safety.

In order to make the process easier, a Master Point (or Master Carabiner), may be attached in a visible and easily accessible point of the anchor, where we can clip our lanyards to. The placement of a Master Point makes moving around the anchor station much safer and efficient, as people know immediately where to clip into without needing to search for a spot or worse, by staying unclipped for the time they are standing by the anchor station.

Using an auto-locking carabiner as Master Point is a good idea

The Master Point is usually a large locking carabiner attached to a high point in the anchor station, so as to be visible and able to accommodate multiple attached lanyards.

Once we arrive at the anchor station, we check that the Master Point is locked and then we clip one or both of our lanyards into it and lock them as well. Then we are ready to proceed with our preparation to descend.

SUMMARY

Using a Master Point will allow us to easily stay secured on the anchor station while preparing for our descent. Don’t forget to double check the Master Carabiner before clipping into it. In case there is no obvious Master Point, we stay connected to the traverse line until we are ready to start with our rappel.

e are ready to start with our rappel.