Page 80 - Nate Fitch, Ron Funderburke "Climbing Knots"

Closing the System: Ground Anchor
and Clove Hitch

Since ground anchors are also a routine part of
toproping with novice belayers or among climbers
with severe weight disparities, it is advantageous and
efficient to use the climbing rope as a ground anchor-
ing tool. If the climber is tied to one end of the rope,
the belayer can tie in to the other end; the figure 8
follow through seems like an appropriate choice in
this context. Now the belayer has the option to attach
the climbing rope to any large object via a locking
carabiner and a clove hitch. Since a ground anchor
essentially offers ballast to a belayer, smaller boulders, a
cluster of backpacks, or smaller trees are good options.
Often, a third climber can be used. The adjustable
clove hitch will allow the belayer to cinch in line with
the ground anchor and the top anchor.

Here, the
belayer
is ground
anchored with
a figure 8 follow
through and a
clove hitch. A
versatile way to
ground anchor,
it also closes
the system.
Using the Rope to Manage Risk 67