toprope question

[astridv]

(xposted from disobey_gravity)
I have a question for the people with outdoor belaying experience. I have my eye set on this bridge. It's conveniently situated in the middle of nowhere, there's barely even foot traffic, and I figure it might be possible to use the railing for toprope belay. However it's a sandstone railing and I don't know if it's advisable to hang a rope directly around a stone structure or if the friction would damage it. So I'm wondering if there is some kind of gadget that you could fasten around the stone railing, with a metal ring or roll through which the rope would go. If there is, what's it called?

Comments

[cofax7]

For that, you would use a sling, or more correctly, three. A sling is a loop of nylon webbing, sewn or woven in a loop, to which you clip multiple carabiners. At least one of which should be a locking biner.

Never put moving rope against anything but metal.

I suggest you google up some more information on toprope anchors

[astridv]

Thanks!

Googling toprope anchors, good idea.

eta: I think I got it. I love the internet, it's all there, with detailed instructions and pictures.

[cofax7]

You use three to balance the load and because you always, always have a backup.

Separate Slings around three separate points on the bridge, with carabiners (at least one locking biner) at a length that keeps the rope from rubbing against the bridge, then the rope through the biners.

It will feel a lot more difficult than indoors: there's a lot more friction on the rope than indoors.

But I strongly encourage you to take an anchors class from your local climbing instructors: nobody should be setting anchors, even really simple ones, without training. If you don't have the basic principles down, people die.

Take a class!

[astridv]

Yeah, I plan to ask around at our gym. I don't think they offer scheduled classes on anchoring, but they might set up one if there's interest. I'm pretty sure I can get some of my friends interested in this, too.

Don't worry, I'm not gonna set up some anchor 10 meters above ground without any training and experience. If I try this, it'll be two meters above ground on a playground with sand below.