rcwild
04-11-2004, 09:03 PM
The term comes from mountain guiding and has to do with the order in which members of a group pass through a particular problem.
If the problem is a straight-forward rappel on a solid anchor, the sequence might involve sending down the second most experienced person first to provide a belay for everyone else in the group. The most experienced goes last so they can deal with problems that might arise from the top.
If the problem is a multi-pitch rappel, the sequence might involve the most experienced person going down first to rig the next anchor. In such cases, it is usually a good idea to pre-rig everyone else's rappel gear.
If the problem is a down-climb, the leader must decide if he/she should go first to "model" the moves and spot the other climbers from below, or go last, providing a rope belay from the top.
If the problem involves marginal anchors, proper sequencing can add significantly to the group's safety. For example, the heaviest person in the group might go down first, while the remaining members of the group add their own body weight to the anchor. The person going down last could be the lightest person in the group or the most experienced -- with the ability to ease their weight onto the anchor and control the direction of pull.
If the problem is a straight-forward rappel on a solid anchor, the sequence might involve sending down the second most experienced person first to provide a belay for everyone else in the group. The most experienced goes last so they can deal with problems that might arise from the top.
If the problem is a multi-pitch rappel, the sequence might involve the most experienced person going down first to rig the next anchor. In such cases, it is usually a good idea to pre-rig everyone else's rappel gear.
If the problem is a down-climb, the leader must decide if he/she should go first to "model" the moves and spot the other climbers from below, or go last, providing a rope belay from the top.
If the problem involves marginal anchors, proper sequencing can add significantly to the group's safety. For example, the heaviest person in the group might go down first, while the remaining members of the group add their own body weight to the anchor. The person going down last could be the lightest person in the group or the most experienced -- with the ability to ease their weight onto the anchor and control the direction of pull.