Raven Rescue

Resources

Know the Knots

At the basic level, here’s a selection of knots, bends and hitches that anyone working in high risk environments like swiftwater, surface ice or with rope systems should know. You should be able to tie them quickly and properly, and recognize them when others have tied them into systems.

• the “Family of 8’s”
• double fisherman’s
• muenter

You should also understand the following concepts and systems:

• tensile strengths of rope and webbing
• anchors (simple to complex)
• mechanical advantage (3 to 1, 4 to 1, pig rig)

Here’s one of our favourite online references for practicing your knots - the illustrations move!

Animated Knots by Grog

But our instructors all agree: don’t get caught up in the fancy stuff. Practice your knots so that you tie them quickly, and recognize them when others tie them, and you’ll be in a good position to maximize your learning during a course, or contribute to rope work on the job.

 

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The swiftwater rescue course taught by Craig was excellent. He is a superb instructor -- very professional and also keeping it very fun. All my guys left very confident and happy.

Jeff Hein, Chief, Extension Fire Department