Ice Climbing Techniques - Lowering
Lowering is an Ice Climbing Technique used to descend or get down from a climb. It is one of the common methods of getting down wherein a belayer at the bottom ensures that the climber is safely lowered. In general, this is similar to Abseiling where the climbers need to make sure that the devices are securely in place and the rope will not run through loose rocks and sharp edges.
In this section, take a look at how Lowering is done and know several things to take into account to ensure the safety of the climbers:
After a top-roped climb, the climber and belayer will work hand in hand. The belayer slowly lets out the rope as the climber descends. A Belay Device is necessary to control the speed of the climber’s descent.
Lowering is used in descending routes where short, steep walls may be encountered. This technique is used primarily if you would like to descend faster. If you are climbing with a party of three, then it could be more practical for the climber to be lowered after his climbing session by his belayer. Lowering can be used by the Italian Hitch Lowering Techniques and the semi-direct method as already outlined in the Belaying section.
Lowering is just one of the common methods to descend after a climb. Walking and Rappelling are also ways to get down. Should you decide to use this Ice Climbing Technique, clear communication between the climber and belayer is important.
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