Cany on Line

Passing a rebelay

If the abrasion is too significant or the configuration of the waterfall requires it, the canyoneer might have to pass a rebelay that divides the descent into two parts (with the same rope) or a belay (with 2 different ropes of different lengths). This configuration is mainly seen on high vertical pitches or descents with large cliff shelves (mandatory rebelay).

Figure of nine knot

How to tie a figure of nine knot to secure a heavy load to an anchor point - Application: very similar to the figure of eight - Advantages: extremely strong; in some cases, it is easier to untie - Disadvantages: bulky - Breaking Strength: 1640 kg

Clove hitch knot

How to tie clove hitch knot on an intermediate point of hand line - Application: ideal to attach the rope to intermediate points. - Advantages: quick, easy (we can learn to tie it one-handed), easily adjusted, easy to untie. - Disadvantages: - Tendency to slip Breaking Strength: Usually slips between 7 kn and 14kN. (This knot should never be tied at the end of a rope without a stopper knot) - Total rupture at 18 kN

Bowline knot

How to tie a bowline knot to start a hand line on a natural anchorage - Application: Used as a «tie-in» or for anchoring. - Advantages: Quick to tie. Easy to untie after heavy load. - Disadvantages: Difficult to learn – prone to slippage (tying-in with single rope). - Breaking load: 19 kN - Remember to always back-up the bowline with a double fisherman knot

Double fisherman knot

How to tie a double fisherman knot to rig a ring of corde for belay on natural anchorage - Application: Used to create a joining loop from two ropes or a cord, a knot that allows connecting two ropes of different diameters for rappelling. Ideal for creating a permanent loop on a natural anchor. - Advantages: Excellent holding strength. - Disadvantages: Very difficult to untie, bulky, risk of getting stuck when pulling the rope. - Breaking strength: 19 kN - The tail strands must have 8 to 10 cm of free length

Webbing knot

How to tie a webbing knot to connect a webbing ring to equip a relay in natural anchorage - Application: Creating a tape sling. - Advantages: Very stable - Disadvantages: Difficult to untie - Breaking Strength: 18 kN - Remember to leave a tail with more than 10 cm of length.

Overhand knot

How to tie an overhand knot to attach a light load - Application: to attach a rope, to clip in - Disadvantages: difficult to untie - bulky, - Breaking strength: 18 kN

Watershed

Identifying and Calibrating a Catchment Area - In this lesson, you will learn how to delineate a catchment area using topographic maps. Start by visualizing the landscape, where contour lines represent elevation, and water flows perpendicular to these lines. To define a catchment area, trace the high points (ridges or hilltops) surrounding a stream or wetland. By drawing lines perpendicular to the contours, you’ll mark the boundaries of the catchment, which is the entire drainage area that contributes water to the wetland or stream. This process helps identify areas affecting water quality and runoff, making it essential for environmental assessments.

Fixed handline

In this lesson, you will learn the basics of progressing along a handline, an essential technique for safely reaching an anchor in exposed areas. You will discover how to move efficiently along a fixed rope by correctly using your cowstails while maintaining stable contact with the rock or the rope. The lesson also explains how to pass intermediate points while always keeping at least one secure attachment point. Mastering handline progression is a fundamental skill for moving confidently through horizontal sections of a canyon.

Retrievable handline

In this lesson, you will learn how to progress safely along a retrievable handline, used to reach an anchor while allowing the rope to be recovered afterward. You will discover how to move efficiently by correctly using your two cowstails on the two rope strands, while maintaining stable balance and support on the rock or the rope. The lesson also explains how to pass intermediate points by transferring the cowstails one at a time in order to remain constantly secured. This technique is essential for moving safely through exposed traverses in a canyon.