Hand, Fixed, Safety, Zip and Guide Lines
Hand lines or safety lines
Below we have provide the correct definitions for each type of line however you will notice most of our topo's have HL in locations where SL's are used, this is an error and is slowly getting fixed, use your judgment and stay safe!
We use a variety of techniques to descend the canyons safely and efficiently, below are descriptions to help differentiate the slight differences in techniques. Hand, Safety and Fixed are often referred to as the collective term ‘traverse lines’ whilst Zip and Guide are referred to as tensioned lines.
Most often found in commercially run canyons, fixed lines are not retrievable and especially susceptible to damage due to being left in the canyon. Depending on situation the Fixed line may be used like a hand line or used as a climbing aid when the pool below is deep. ⚠️ Use with caution and check prior to use!
(as seen as FL on our topos)
Used predominantly to avoid water hazards, guide lines are a retrievable system that guides the user in the direction of the rope using their lanyards whilst they control their descent on a un-tensioned rope.
(as seen as GL on our topos)
Usually used to aid difficult down climbing however the group don’t abseil on or clip in to it. Hand lines when left in the canyon often have knots left in, only one end of the rope is connected to the anchor. Can be set-up both, releasable and non releasable.
(as seen as HL on our topos)
A safety line is required when an exposed traverse is necessary to reach an anchor or safer terrain. In most scenarios you would connect to a safety line with both lanyards. Intermediate points may also be required on a safety line.
(as seen as SL on our topos)
A technique infrequently used recreationally that requires careful planning to safely execute. Although efficient once set up, the time taken to build in a new location often makes this technique slower than others.
(as seen as ZL on our topos)
An example of a guide-line to avoid the powerful flow.
Bonus Info!
Commuter Lines
These lines are used as a secondary means to descend a drop, usually used for search and rescue.
Tracking Lines
Used for stretchers, similar to guidelines but with less tension and low to the ground.