Aloha

Does anyone have any advice to share on ropes for kloofing?

I have heard that it's possible to get nice lightweight static that doesn't absorb water, but that it wears out quickly.

I usually use my climbing ropes, but I suspect that's not good for the rope in the long term (and they get helluva heavy when wet!).

Any advice appreciated...

Dawie

I'm not sure how much rope you need of if this is the best for your needs but it sounds like an option:

https://www.mountainmailorder.co.za/ind ... uctId=1953

I use a static treated with Nikwax rope proof

Hi Ferdi

I think a static is more appropriate for abseiling. I'm pretty sure there's kloofing specific rope out there, like this: http://www.bealplanet.com/portail-2006/ ... des_canyon

Just wondering if it's worth getting something like that?

Dave

Static ropes are best suited to kloofing. Dynamic ropes stretch (even more when wet) and cause friction when in contact with the rock (wearing your rope). Definitely go for a static rope.

Diameter: 8mm diameter rope can be tough to hold onto (a little on the thin side) and I would recommend that unless the persons using the rope are well experienced, stick to 10mm diameter ropes and above. And/or use a safety prussic and perhaps gloves to increase safety.

Using rope protectors would increase the life of the rope (last person brings the protector down).

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Climb ZA - Administrator

In your experience, how well does the Nikwax work and how often do you need to re-apply?

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Climb ZA - Administrator

Howzit Dave,
Robert asked me to give you my views. I guess I've done a heck of a lot of kloofing and bought canyoneering ropes from Robert a few years ago.
The ropes are Blue Water specialist canyoneering ropes. Very low water retention, day-glo colour and fairly low friction. They're great and I'd definitely recommend them.
The photo has my boy Brad descending the gorge above Algeria Campsite on these ropes.
Talk to Robert,
ciao amigo
Hilton

It works. Have not done any post water exposure moisture tests but it will lighten the load. After treatment is complete, the rope as a slight 'waxy' feel.
Also you may notice that you have slightly less friction in the abseiling device, but nothing serious. Also increases rope useful life (less friction on device, rope drag, etc)
I did not get as much wet kloofing time as planned, so cannot really comment on how often to reapply.
Bit expensive, but I like the stuff.

Good to know. tx

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Climb ZA - Administrator

Sorry to hijack the post but I've always wanted to take up kloofing. Where are good places to get going?

Hi

Canyoneering ropes :
it's a toss up between weight, durability, friction & price. I've done quite a number of canyons with a quite a number of ropes - and I can say that our experimentation has shown that the best canyoneering ropes are 9mm static - longer than 60m. We have had very good, consistent service from Beal Antipode 9mm

Some manufacturers make static polyprop ropes which float, and while they do hold less water (easier to handle - we have found that durablity is not so good.

8mm is a bit thin for vertical drops with heavy gear in the wet (not too much control) and I do worry about sharp edge issues in this environment.

10mm is ok - but anything thicker than that just becomes a luss - especially when wet.

Length :
typically static comes on reels of 200m & most supplies will only cut in units of 50 - so we have found that buying a 150m which you chop in half works very well in the W.Cape. Many of the canyons have big drops - and 50m is often not enough

Nikwax rope proof:
works well to enhance water repellancy - but needs to be applied regualarly

Getting involved :
best to find someone who is already doing canyons because -
- the community is fairly protective about the access info because of access issues
- many canyons are serious undertakings - often involving multi-pitch abseils in the wet on temporaty anchors and very cold conditions

You are going to need 60m ropes at least, that will get you down all the well used kloofs, though some of the less-than-well-known ones may require longer ones.

According to the product info leaflet with my half ropes (PMI Verglas) do actually float but I have not yet summoned up the courage (or stupidity) to use them in a kloof yet

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Happy climbing
Nic

Just for fun --> Click here for pics Grootkloof near Swellendam

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Climb ZA - Administrator

Shot, thanks for all the advice. Hilton, those lines look rad!

If you're interested in going kloofing, start with Crystal Pools (closed for rehabilitation in 2011) and suicide gorge http://www.capenature.co.za/reserves.htm?sm%5Br2%5D%5Bsubsection%5D=494&sm%5Br2%5D%5Bforid%5D=r2&sm%5Br2%5D%5Bsubcatird%5D=496&sm%5Br2%5D%5Bpersistent%5D=1&reserve=Hottentots%20Holland%20Nature%20Reserve.

Then check out the MCSA for more advanced trips involving multiple abseils, and overnight trips.