Page 60 - Duane Raleigh - Knots Ropes for Climbers
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DYNAMIC rope STATIC rope
functions mostly as a protective cover, sort of like the insulation over an extension cord.
Kernmantle ropes have many applications beyond climbing. Firemen, spelunkers,
roofers, roughnecks, criminals, and other people use them every day for working in high places. The
ropes they use look much like climbing ropes but in fact are radically
different. Their ropes are static, like steel cable. Fall on a static rope, and the sudden jolt of being
caught is enough to snap your neck.
Climbing ropes are dynamic. They are woven and braided so that they can absorb much of the force
of a fall without unduly stretching like my old Goldline or a rubber band.
The dynamic property of a climbing rope sets it apart. All other ropes are unfit for climbing.
How do you know if you have a climbing rope? Climbing ropes look distinctly different, having
multicolored sheaths. Static ropes are
