Weekend Whipper: The Perils of Rope Drag
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Ah, rope drag. What a wonderful feeling.
In this week’s Weekend Whipper, a climber experiences the full perils of rope drag. After yarding up the rope on a new 41-meter route near Mizugaki, Japan,
she pumps out before she is able to clip, and peels off the wall.
On long or meandering routes, decrease rope drag by extending draws, especially those on stray bolts and bolts below roofs, so that the rope hangs cleaner
and receives less friction. Thoughtful bolt placement by the route developer can also ameliorate this problem before it’s passed on to the climber.
Happy Friday and climb safe this weekend!