Rock Climbing Knots

Rock Climbing Knots - Tying It Tight

Rock climbing is often regarded as a sport of stamina and strategies. Additionally, rock climbing is also a sport of survival. True it is, as hundreds of climbers have risked and attempted to climb the insurmountable natural wonders. Every year thousands of climbers crawl their way to glory and fame. And all of them have one thing in common - they do not climb just for the fame and fortune, but they climb just for fun.

But fun however has to be defined properly. In a dangerous sport like rock climbing, fun is not about ill-equipped adventure, but fun means the incorporation of safety and enjoyment altogether. One important yet fundamental aspect in rock climbing is learning the rock climbing knots.

What are rock climbing knots?

Rock climbing knots are various ways of fastening and fixing a rope to another rope or a rope to a special device such as a pulley or a hitch. Rock climbing knots are basic skills before anybody can take on an ascent, one must know all these different types of knots. Even experts need to be well versed with all the different rock climbing knots.

There are three ways to tie ropes. These can be classified as single, double loops or stopper knots. Furthermore, all of these rock climbing knots are discussed below.

The Single Loop Knots

Among the three different forms of single loop knots, the alpine butterfly is the most popular. Experts found that this type of single loop knot is more secure. Bowline however is considered the King of all rock climbing knots. Among the three single loop knots, the figure 8 loop knot is the easiest and the fastest to make.

The Double Loop Knots

Double loop knots are used for more fixed and stable tying. It's best to use it when towing or pulling heavy loads. Double loop knots have two forms - the double alpine butterfly knot and the double figure 8 loop knot. The double alpine butterfly knot is best used when you cannot use the ends of the rope. As the name implies, it's virtually like the single alpine butterfly but only with two loops. The double figure 8 is great when you need to attach a couple of anchors using one rope.

The Stopper Knots

There is also what is called stopper knot used to fix the end of the rope to prevent slipping. There are three types of stopper knots - overhand, double and figure 8 knots.

Other rock climbing knots employed by rock climbers are the bends. One example is the double fisherman knot that fastens two ropes with varied diameters. Just remember, that learning the different rock climbing knots is a must. Ask experts on how to create these knots and become a master climber.