Rigging (MA)
Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 12:20PM Rigging is one of out "7 Pillars" or Swiftwater Rescue. The more familiar we are at using forces (such as vector forces and Mechanical Advantage systems) the better rescuers we will be.
Anchors with rope (on anchor)
Tensionless Hitch (No Knot)
Figure 8 on a Bight (followed through)
Anchors with webbing (on anchor)
Simple
Basket (3 Bight)
Multiwrap
Multipoint Load Sharing (self equalizing and protecting)
Multipoint Fixed and Focussed
Anchors with rope (on load)
Boater anchor
Double figure 8 on a bight
Anchors with webbing (on load)
Threaded (1 carabiner)
Clipped (3 carabiners)
Demonstrate forces and angles between multipoint anchors (Vectors)
0 Degrees 50% each side
45 Degrees 54% each side
90 Degrees 71% each side
120 Degrees 100% each side
150 Degrees 150% each side
170 Degrees 574% each side
Vector Pulls
Simple
Progressive Vectoring
Mechanical Advantage Systems
1:1 (Armstrong method)
3:1 Simple
5:1 Simple (Advanced)
9:1 Compound (Advanced)
Others (2:1 Simple, 4:1 Compound etc)
Teaching Tips
MA Systems are in fact rarely used but challenging to remember when needed without practice. Many MA systems fail due to poor selection of equipment. Make sure you demonstrate using appropriate gear or your students won't know what is good to use and what is hazardous to use.
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