Tech Tip: Question Tensioning lines for Guided/Tyrolean

What is the "proper" or easy way to tension lines and block for guided rappels or Tyrolean traverses?

Obviously assuming typical canyon gear being used only.

How does this change the stress being applied to your anchor and rope?

Are there special considerations when using potshots with a guided rappel?

This may help
great way to tension a rope....
I've never done one using potshots.

That does look good, kind of like the "auto block" mode on the ATS.

Is there a way to make something like that releasable, or is the last person always stuck completing the rappel normally?

You ask a question that is, really, a full day's training. There is no way to get good at guided rappels other than to go ahead and make them, even when you really don't have to, even just for fun!

There is no "proper" way, of course, as you indicated by putting it in airquotes. Whatever way works. It is hard to imagine that you would want to be proficient at a guided rappel, yet could not come up with 5 or 6 ways to tension up the rope. (???)

Generally for a guided rappel, it is best to make the guide rope no tighter than it needs to be to get the job done. If using marginal anchors, such as potshots or sandtraps, this is ESPECIALLY true. A reasonable tight guideline will generate 3X body weight. If throwing potshots, you will want the guide line to be a lot less than reasonably tight.

Tom

This is illustrated tensioned from the bottom of the rappel. It is releasable. The block on top is opposite where it would normally be. Last person rappels down using the guide. From the bottom pull totem to side to release tension. Remove totem from sytems and pull rope from rappel side. This is called plaquette mode. Many other ways of tensioning from the bottom. Also good to know ways to tension from the top. Heck, worse comes to worse, you can always meat anchor the bottom with good sequencing.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2

DUH!….guess I was looking at a 3D problem with a 2D mind on that one!

What he said ^^^^^

The Totem is easy to release under tension due to the leverage you have with it due to it's length. I would imagine the ATS would be harder to release because you would have less leverage. The same technique of rotating the Totem can be used if you rig it this way to act as an emergency ascender and need to rappel (although it's a bit jerky). You grab the non-carabinered end and crank it sideways and can adjust the angle to convert ascending to rappelling.

I don't think I would want to try this (the guided rappel) just using potshots, though ...