SWAH Field Guide video resources

Attaching to a 2-rope system with a chest ascender and handled ascender

This video shows how to attach to a 2-rope system, with a chest ascender and handled ascender, plus a backup device. It is good practice to attach the backup device first, so you don't forget and then accidentally ascend on only 1 rope.

Ascending a rope

With handled ascender and chest ascender: This is a very efficient way of ascending a rope, especially for longer distances. With auto-locking descending device: This option is very easy and safe to implement, as no devices need to be disconnected from the rope. However, this method is only suitable for short distances, as it is a more physical method. With auto-locking descending device and additional MA.

Ascent to descent conversion with chest ascender

This video shows how to convert from an ascending position to a descending position, followed by descending a rope.

Descent to ascent conversion with chest ascender

This video shows how to convert from a descending position to an ascending position, followed by ascending a rope.

Descent to ascent conversion with auto-locking descending device

This video shows how to convert from a descending position to an ascending position, followed by ascending a rope. This is a fast and suitable method for a short distance.

Descent to ascent conversion with auto-locking descending device and additional MA

This video shows how to convert from a descending position to an ascending position, followed by ascending a rope. This is a fast and suitable method for a short distance. The MA makes it less strenuous.

Descent with a combination of chest ascender and handled ascender

This video shows how to climb down a fixed rope. This method is suitable for short distances, eg minimising the distance when you need to pass a knot in the rope whilst descending. It is important to switch between loading the chest ascender and the handled ascender with your body weight.

How to tie a figure of 8 knot

Rescue 3 Europe's knot-tying videos are no-fuss simple how-tos, that can be used by instructors and students on courses, as well as a quick field reference.

How to tie a figure of 8 on a bight

Rescue 3 Europe's knot-tying videos are no-fuss simple how-tos, that can be used by instructors and students on courses, as well as a quick field reference.

How to tie a figure of 9 on a bight

Rescue 3 Europe's knot-tying videos are no-fuss simple how-tos, that can be used by instructors and students on courses, as well as a quick field reference.

How to tie an inside bowline

Rescue 3 Europe's knot-tying videos are no-fuss simple how-tos, that can be used by instructors and students on courses, as well as a quick field reference.

How to tie an outside bowline

How to tie an outside bowline with stopper knot

How to tie a bowline with Yosemite tie-off

Rescue 3 Europe's knot-tying videos are no-fuss simple how-tos, that can be used by instructors and students on courses, as well as a quick field reference.

How to tie a double bowline

Rescue 3 Europe's knot-tying videos are no-fuss simple how-tos, that can be used by instructors and students on courses, as well as a quick field reference.

How to tie longtailed interlocking outside bowlines

How to tie a barrel knot

Rescue 3 Europe's knot-tying videos are no-fuss simple how-tos, that can be used by instructors and students on courses, as well as a quick field reference.

How to tie a double fisherman's

Rescue 3 Europe's knot-tying videos are no-fuss simple how-tos, that can be used by instructors and students on courses, as well as a quick field reference.

How to tie a constrictor hitch

Rescue 3 Europe's knot-tying videos are no-fuss simple how-tos, that can be used by instructors and students on courses, as well as a quick field reference.

How to tie an alpine butterfly (method 1)

Rescue 3 Europe's knot-tying videos are no-fuss simple how-tos, that can be used by instructors and students on courses, as well as a quick field reference.

How to tie an alpine butterfly (method 2)

Rescue 3 Europe's knot-tying videos are no-fuss simple how-tos, that can be used by instructors and students on courses, as well as a quick field reference.

How to tie a BFK (multiple strand overhand) with 2 strands

Rescue 3 Europe's knot-tying videos are no-fuss simple how-tos, that can be used by instructors and students on courses, as well as a quick field reference.

How to tie the bunny ears knot (aka Mickey)

Rescue 3 Europe's knot-tying videos are no-fuss simple how-tos, that can be used by instructors and students on courses, as well as a quick field reference.

How to tie an overhand knot

How to tie an overhand on a bight

How to tie a reef knot (aka square knot)

How to tie a clove hitch

Rescue 3 Europe's knot-tying videos are no-fuss simple how-tos, that can be used by instructors and students on courses, as well as a quick field reference.

How to tie an Italian hitch

How to tie a tape knot

How to tie a Flemish bend (inline rethreaded figure of 8)

Rescue 3 Europe's knot-tying videos are no-fuss simple how-tos, that can be used by instructors and students on courses, as well as a quick field reference.

How to tie an offset bound overhand bend

Passing a knot on the main line whilst ascending

This video shows how to bypass a knot in the main line. This knot could be isolating damaged rope, or tying two lengths of rope together. Damaged ropes should be taken out of service as soon as possible. Use a longer length of rope, instead of joining two lengths, where possible.

Passing a knot on the main line whilst descending

This video shows how to bypass a knot in the main line. This knot could be isolating damaged rope, or tying two lengths of rope together. Damaged ropes should be taken out of service as soon as possible. Use a longer length of rope, instead of joining two lengths, where possible.

Passing a knot on the backup line whilst ascending

This video shows how to bypass a knot in the backup line. This knot could be isolating damaged rope, or tying two lengths of rope together. Damaged ropes should be taken out of service as soon as possible. Use a longer length of rope, instead of joining two lengths, where possible. This is a common technique without additional equipment. A secondary backup device is an easier option, if available.

Passing a knot on the backup line whilst descending

This video shows how to bypass a knot in the backup line. This knot could be isolating damaged rope, or tying two lengths of rope together. Damaged ropes should be taken out of service as soon as possible. Use a longer length of rope, instead of joining two lengths, where possible. This is a common technique without additional equipment. A secondary backup device is an easier option, if available.

Rope transfer over a smaller distance (less than 1.5m)

This video shows how to transfer from one set of ropes to another set, when the distance between the sets of rope is less than 1.5 metres. In the event of rope failure, the pendulum effect is minimised at this distance, so it is appropriate to use 3 points of contact. Rope transfers should always start from a descending position, to be in complete control when transferring to the other set of ropes.

Rope transfer over a larger distance (greater than 1.5m) with 2 backup devices

This video shows how to transfer from one set of ropes to another set, when the distance between the sets of rope is greater than 1.5 metres. In the event of rope failure, the pendulum effect is significant at this distance, so 4 points of contact must be used. Rope transfers should always start from a descending position, to be in complete control when transferring to the other set of ropes. Using 2 backup devices is the easiest and safest method for this rope transfer. Try to keep the angle between the ropes less than 90°, and never greater than 120°.

Rope transfer over a greater distance (greater than 1.5m) with 1 backup device

This video shows how to transfer from one set of ropes to another set, when the distance between the sets of rope is more than 1.5 metres. In the event of rope failure, the pendulum effect is significant at this distance, so 4 points of contact must be used. Rope transfers should always start from a descending position, to be in complete control when transferring to the other set of ropes. You can use 1 backup device instead of 2, if you don't have enough equipment. However, it is a harder technique Try to keep the angle between the ropes less than 90°, and never greater than 120°.

Passing a single deviation whilst ascending

In the event of deviation failure, the pendulum effect is minimised, as the distance is less than 1.5m, and there are no additional safety concerns (eg hot parts or sharp edges).

Passing a single deviation whilst descending

In the event of deviation failure, the pendulum effect is minimised, as the distance is less than 1.5m, and there are no additional safety concerns (eg hot parts or sharp edges).

Passing a double deviation whilst ascending

In the event of deviation failure, the pendulum effect is significant, as the distance is more than 1.5m, or there are additional safety concerns (eg hot parts or sharp edges).

Passing a double deviation whilst descending

In the event of deviation failure, the pendulum effect is significant, as the distance is more than 1.5m, or there are additional safety concerns (eg hot parts or sharp edges).