On-Rope Techniques & Companion Rescue Workshop

Build Confidence on Rope. Develop Rescue Skills. Be Prepared for the Unexpected.

Effective rope movement and the ability to respond to unexpected situations are essential skills for every technical canyoneer. This hands-on workshop focuses on refining fundamental on-rope techniques while introducing practical companion rescue systems and problem-solving strategies.

On-Rope Techniques emphasizes developing confidence, efficiency and adaptability while ascending, descending and transitioning between rope systems. Participants will practice managing common challenges, including passing knots, overcoming equipment limitations and addressing unexpected situations while suspended on rope. The goal is to develop the skills and judgment needed to move safely and confidently from the moment you connect to the rope until you reach the ground.

Companion Rescue introduces techniques for assisting teammates who encounter difficulties during a rappel or while suspended on rope. We will explore common scenarios such as jammed rappel devices, immobilized participants and situations requiring assisted lowering, raising or pick-off techniques.

Throughout the workshop, we emphasize understanding how and why these systems work rather than simply memorizing procedures. Our instructional approach combines demonstrations, guided practice and realistic problem-solving scenarios, giving participants opportunities to build proficiency and confidence through repetition.

The goal is to become a more capable, self-reliant and dependable member of a technical canyon team while developing the skills to recognize and respond appropriately when challenges arise.

Technical Skills and Concepts

• Selecting and using multipurpose technical equipment
• Adapting lightweight ropes and equipment for technical rescue
• Anchor selection and considerations during rescue operations
• Specialized single-rope and twin-rope rigging systems
• Belay systems and techniques
• Converting static rigging systems to lowering systems
• Dropped-loop lifts (2:1)
• Basic mechanical advantage hauling systems
• Converting top-rope belay systems to raising systems
• Ascending fixed ropes and managing rope transitions
• Passing knots and overcoming on-rope obstacles
• Tandem rappels and companion pick-offs
• Balancier pick-offs on tensioned ropes

What to Expect

This is an active, skills-intensive workshop focused on practical application and technical understanding. Participants will spend much of the day working directly with rope systems, practicing movement techniques and exploring solutions to common rescue scenarios.

Our approach is straightforward: Explain it. Demonstrate it. Practice it. We encourage questions, repetition and thoughtful problem-solving to help participants develop both technical competence and sound judgment.

Important: The specific techniques covered will depend on available time, training location and group experience. Not every listed skill may be addressed during a single workshop.