Informational Videos

Knot Tying Top Roping Bouldering Lead Climbing

KNOT TYING

Figure 8

To tie the first part of a figure 8, you'll need about five feet of rope. First, make a bight in the rope. A bight is made by pinching a loop, Next you'll twist the bight 360 degrees, clock wise. Then, reach through the bight and grab the free end of the rope, pulling it all the way through the bight.

Figure 8 (follow through)

To attach the figure 8 to your harness, feed the free end through the tie in points of the harness. Be careful. Your knot should be about a fists width from your harness. Next, follow the 8 pattern back through the knot, just like a train follows tracks. When you're finished you can "dress" the knot by straightening any twists that occurred along the way.

Double fisherman's

Although the figure 8 is a great knot, everything in climbing has backups, so you should also tie a double fisherman's knot above the 8. Wrap the rope twice around, coming closer to yourself with each wrap. After the second full wrap, slide the end up through the two loops. Pull this knot snugly; double-check all your knots. You're almost ready to climb.