Thanks to Koen, Charly, Tom (and Doc Lawrence in part) for the consise renditions and descriptions of a potential 8/pirana ascension system. To date I have NOT been mentored or shown these “methods” and in the next week will give it shot in the big backyard trees. Koen’s description (sorry) still hasn’t visually translated in my (non-engineer) mind. Tom, move back to SLC, I’ll trade you dinner and a flick for some back yard “8” ascending.
To the non-initiated though, in the “church of ascension”, as I often call it, the process should be a fluid, efficient, properly set up and not overly exhausting when used on a short or medium rise. Regardless of the gadgetry, wizardry, simplicity or ease of set up, whether one uses an 8 and then “ropes, slings or a device” for the “upper” ascender, it’s the SIZE of the stroke, that over a LONG haul is going to make the difference. With a climbing harness, a belay loop and an extended 8, the “unit” sits almost at near chest level and the stroke length between that and the upper device is not that significant.
I assume those that endorse, espouse and often use the ascending 8 mode, as decribed, make an effort to lower the device as much as possible. By comparison, put on a caving harness, and place the “lower” ascension device at lower waist level and the resulting stroke difference (between lower and upper devices) is enormous. I also accept that those using the “quick, semi-emergency method” are probably?, possibly? not using that for a long, 200-600 ft. ascent?
There is benefit to this broadband bulletin board system. Voices from Europe, Colorado, California and Mt. Carmel..from climbers, cavers and canyoneers, engineers and even doctors. (Always room in the quiver for more skills and tools. Thank you!) _____________ And as to Steve’s (Ram’s) query re a SLC April 17 canyoneering program in SLC. Rick T, and yours truly are the protagonists(or culprits).Photos by Ryan C. and myself will be offered and then gear shown and explained. Others will? might be involved in the show. “Others” were invited to participate, some declined and some are still in maybe mode.
For the past 2-3 years, we use to have regular aca or tom j mini programs. Photos and descriptions were/are helpful to the beginner and intermediate. And the association with others was/is valuable, at least in my view. But now “toms gone” and rich long ago filed for “divorce” “from” the alternate aca units and so, some of us suggested a spring meeting. Hopefully newbies will thereafter contact Tom J and possibly order ropes, rope bags, helmets and other devices. A hoped for economic benefit from a simple REI show. And, a mini gathering of a “like interested clan.”
Heck, if Steve (ram) were to fly in, he could be part of the revelry, carnival and brigade. And Rich C. could show and even Tom J too, and the latter charge/chase Carlson cross the stage with an extended happy hooker. (That was a fun(?)sight years ago and this next time, Rich might even, smile?)