Bushwalkers Wilderness Rescue Squad 1 PREFERRED KNOTS FOR USE IN CANYONS

On behalf of the Bushwalker’s Wilderness Rescue Squad (BWRS) Rock Squad, the author is conducting a series of tests in a voluntary capacity to determine the preferred knots that could be used in recreational canyoning. This paper will be of interest to all abseilers who have to retrieve their ropes. The project is planned for three stages. Stage one is now complete and this paper focuses on the tensile strength and slippage of various knots. Cyclic loading and rope pull down issues have also been investigated. 139 hours of actual testing has been conducted to date. This time does not include the considerable time to plan, analyse and write up the report. This paper was presented at the Outdoor Recreation Industry Council NSW conference in Sept 2001. For further information regarding BWRS visit the web site a