Good posts for beginners to read...

[polvalt]

Just a hint for some of the newbies like myself... I have found a lot of helpful information by browsing through the old posts (like the last few pages of the technical canyoneering section of the forum). There are some pretty old discussions that have a ton of newbie friendly advice...

[cookiecutter]

Thanks for the tip. Just checked them out and was learned quite a bit!

[rcwild]

Perhaps it would be worthwhile to post links in this thread to other threads that beginners feel will be of value to other beginners. May post the topic of the thread along with the link.

[cookiecutter]

Perhaps it would be worthwhile to post links in this thread to other threads that beginners feel will be of value to other beginners. May post the topic of the thread along with the link.


I like that idea.Here are some links that have recently helped me (newbie), and some that I would have liked to have read before descending my first canyon.

I will post more as I come across them.

Rigging a Figure 8 to Ascend
http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=52

Rope too short for rappel?
-very simple techniques on how to get yourself out of a newbie problem
http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=59

Webbing for anchors
-good info on safety factors for webbing AND ropes
http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=101

Joining Ropes for a Rappel
-a few safe options
http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=100

First Aid Kits
http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=84

Descenders
-discussion on good descenders for beginners, AND what to watch out for after your descender has some wear
http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=180

Brand Newbie With First Gear Questions
-discussion of the basic gear a newbie should carry into a canyon
http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=190

How to Tie Canyon Figure 8
-cool canyoneering technique for the use of a figure 8 device
http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=375

Setting Rope Length
-helpful tips on how to be more efficient in setting up rappel
http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=464

Loss of Control on Rappel
-great ideas on how to avoid this situation
http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=198

Ashley Method
-a good skill to have in the bag
http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=587

[rcwild]

Thank you for getting this started, Jaden.

[polvalt]

Here are some that I found useful in addition to those mentioned above:

Rappelling with a Pack:
A concise explanation of problems and solutions to rappelling with a pack
http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=289

Technical Advice on the Internet:
A caveat for those seeking technical advice with little experience.
http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=195

Rope Management - Bag or Coil:
An interesting discussion on pros and cons of each carry method.
http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=488

[mountain man]

When I was a noob I found the discussion adding friction to your device and on the fly very helpful.

Adding Friction:
http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=722
http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2701
http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2978

Also the Totem has different ways to add friction. Some rigging methods are applicable to other devices, some only to the Totem. Totem. (So when can I get my free Totem Rich) :)

Totem:
http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2500

[cookiecutter]

Thank you for getting this started, Jaden.

Thank you, Rich, for the idea.

Here are some others I find useful:

It Depends! It Depends! It Depends!
Pros and Cons for certain techniques
http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1738

What is a 'biner block?
Maybe not something beginners should be using, but is something I was interested in learning about at my start. More knowledge is generally not a bad thing.
http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=58

Good books helpful in furthering knowledge:

"On Rope"
http://www.amazon.com/Rope-American-Vertical-Techniques-Rappellers/dp/1879961059/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247634334&sr=8-1

"Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills"
http://www.amazon.com/Mountaineering-Freedom-Hills-Mountaineers/dp/0898868289/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247634464&sr=1-1

"Self Rescue"
http://www.amazon.com/Self-Rescue-Rock-Climb-David-Fasulo/dp/0934641978/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247634515&sr=1-1

One other tip:
You DO NOT need to take 300 feet of rope into the Subway. First timer lesson learned.

[mountain man]

Another good post I always go back and read. Not only good for noobs but a must read for every canyoneer! :teacher:

Rappelling Lessons
Discussion on Rappelling Basics and different types of Belays:

Top rope belay
Bottom belay (aka fireman)
Pseudo or self belay (i.e. prusik, autoblock)

http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1741

[mountain man]

The articles section is also a good place to read!

http://www.canyoneering.net/content/index.php?categoryid=140

Article on Releasable Rigging/contingency anchors

http://www.canyoneering.net/content/index.php?categoryid=140&p2_articleid=80

Forum thread on contingency anchors

http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=266

Article on Rigging blocks

http://www.canyoneering.net/content/index.php?categoryid=140&p2_articleid=78


Article on Alternatives to the Stone Knot

http://www.canyoneering.net/content/index.php?categoryid=140&p2_articleid=77

Thread on the Stone Knot

http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1216

Animation of tying the Stone Knot

http://www.canyoneering.net/content_img/anim/stone_knot.gif

[mountain man]

Protecting the rope from sharp edges that can cause core shots

http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?p=13701

[mountain man]

Rigging Webbing for Strength
http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1002

Escaping Potholes (Note this is an advance technique. best to learn these from experienced canyoneer and/or course)
http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=68

edit
Retrievable anchors for ghosting:

The Buckle
http://canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3503

Retrievable sling
http://canyoneering.net/forums/showpost.php?p=20715&postcount=27

Retrievable Autoblock
http://canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1795

Maxii Pad AKA Launch Pad AKA Sand Trap
http://canyoneering.net/forums/showthread.php?t=4147