This is what a damaged climbing rope looks like...

This is what a damaged climbing rope looks like...

Apart from the fraying, you can feel a kink within the rope, and also see a slight kink.

While it would still probably be fine for certain types of climbing/rigging for a bit longer, best practice is to cut out the damage - potentially giving you two shorter ropes; or a rope that has dropped from 50meters to 40/45meters; depending where the damage is.

A Guide For Climbing Rope Lifespan:

Intensive Use = Less Than 1 Yr

(Sport Climbing/Everyday Climbing/Mountain Guide)

Regular Use = 2 Yrs

(Year Round Weekend Use)

Irregular Use = 3 Yrs

(Seasonal Weekend Use)

Occasional Use = 4/5 Yrs

(Monthly Use)

Unused Rope = 10 Yrs Max

When not in use keep rope cool, dry, shaded and uncoiled; so flaked loosely into a paper bag or wardrobe is good.

Warm Sunny Sandstone Slabs - Climbing Training

Just off a lovely, two-day, private training course.
A Canadian climber wanting to get climbing outdoors, work on climbing techniques, learn to abseil self-sufficiently and get the basics of rigging up a safe system to climb on.

All on warm sunny sandstone slabs 🙂

We get quite a few requests for private bespoke training, and always very happy to do it.

Anything from one-day to multi-day; and anything from a crash course in kayak rescues, to wild foraging, to a climbing techniques workshop or climbing setups workshop.

For More Details:
info@outdoorsireland.com
+353 (0) 86 860 45 63   

Bespoke Private Training

Bespoke Outdoor Training / Private Outdoor Training; Course Directed By Nathan Kingerlee
Including Team Building / Business Training / Business Coaching

If you are looking for a specific course to be run on dates that suit you; or if you are looking for a specific skill-set to be trained in please contact us here.

From kayak skills/kayak rescue training; to a crash course in bushcraft skills.

From ropework skills to be used on Alpine/Himalayan Peaks; to learning how to place climbing anchors and set up a climbing system.

From developing your rock climbing technique; to developing your wild foraging knowledge and wild cooking skills.

info@outdoorsireland.com
00353 (0) 86 860 45 63

Two-Day Alpine/Mountaineering Training Course - 20th & 21st June - Places Available

Two-Day Alpine/Mountaineering Training Course; coming up on 20th & 21st June.
 

Places Available.
 

Over the two days we'll be looking at moving on fixed lines; using ascenders/jumars; abseiling with figure 8 and prussik; staying safe with safety leash; moving from one fixed line to another fixed line - on 60 degree slopes; simple use of crampons and ice axe; dry tooling/mixed climbing; and other ropework.
 

For Details: info@outdoorsireland.com

Yachtmaster Offshore - Sail Training With West Cork Sailing Centre

Recently back from one of the toughest assessments I've ever done-Yachtmaster Offshore. 8 days; although the key assessment was just the final day.

Fine strong easterly winds the whole time, night sailing, entries into dark harbours by lighthouse back-bearings, tidal curves, working out mast heights under bridges + depths under the keel to the closest cm! 

Stressful, but awesome experience. It gives me great empathy for the students I asses in other disciplines :) 
I can now skipper the horse to France by yacht (if anyone remembers that TV ad from the 90s); recognise a beached trawler by it's foghorn or a minesweeper at night by it's mastlights 😅

All under the brilliant tuition of West Cork Sailing Centre, highly recommend these guys for sail and powerboat training, especially courses like Competent Crew and Day Skipper :)

Basic Gear List For Scrambling

Basic Gear List For Scrambling (After A Scramble Skills 1 Course)

Proper Solid Hiking Boots

Helmet

40/50 Meter Climbing Rope (10.2mm diameter)
OR
20 Meter Walking Rope (8mm diameter)

2 x 240cm Nylon Sling (big sling)
4 x 120cm Nylon Sling (medium sling)
6 x HMS Crab

The gear, once it's full spec, can be the basic standard - which is good cost-wise.

No need for anything fancy for scrambling.

If trying to decide between a 50 meter climbing rope or a 20 meter walking rope - a handy way to think of it is:
If planning on using a rope then take the climbing rope.
If not planning on using a rope, but want one for backup, then take the walking rope.

Two Good Shops:
https://www.alpinesports.ie/
https://www.greatoutdoors.ie/