Page 75 - The Complete Rigger’s Apprentice

part with one hand, and place the palm of the other
hand on the same side of the barrel that the stand-
ing parts lead to. Ease on the end and press and
push away from you with the other hand. For very
heavy loads, have someone tail the end while you
place your hands on either side of the barrel. Have
the tailer give you a little slack, then squeeze your
hands against the turns and slide your right hand
away from you and your left hand toward you to
Figure 3-6. Surging a line on a winch. roll the turns counterclockwise, easing slack into the
standing part (Figure 3-6). Be extremely careful not
to get your fingers between the turns and the drum;
there are some short-fingered sailors around who
Figure 3-7. When there doesn’t appear to be any- can tell you about the consequences.
thing to belay to, twisting the tackle or just pinching The time might come when there is no post, pin,
the parts of the tackle together can “belay” a load cleat, or seemingly anything else to belay to. Here
(A). Belaying the line to the load itself works, too (B). resourcefulness must take over, even if it means
employing procedures that are harder on your gear

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