Rope ladders?

[Ben Egbert]

Today I went scouting for white water shots on the American Fork River. It is nothing but white water from the canyon mouth to as far in as you can follow the river which is about15 miles. The trouble is access is either developed campgrounds or so steep that you need to be a mountain goat. There are 4-5 places that have parking and good access, but there are many more that are very steep.

Today I found most of them and tried the best looking one I dared try. I slid the last 30 feet on my butt, but managed to get a picture and climb back out. The idea came to me that a rope ladder would allow me to get into a few more of these places. I think I would need about 40-50 feet. I would need a way to anchor it, in some cases I could tie off on my truck.

Any ideas?

 

[JimFox]

How about one of those emergency ladders they toss out 2nd story windows? They maybe a chain instead of a rope, but it would be similar.

Otherwise you could make one with 2 ropes and a bunch of planks. Be a bit of work to assemble, but it could be done.

What about Amazon? Have you searched on there?

 

[AlanLichty]

I like Jim's emergency ladder suggestion but I don't think those are anywhere near the 40-50' requirement. 2 ropes with a whole bunch bunch of planks and evenly spaced knots would work but I don't know what it would be like to store once you start approaching 40' long as a finished product.

 

[MonikaC]

Maybe go with somebody certified in Swift Water Rescue? White water is not something to be messed with. As far as rope lengths -- remember to allow plenty for the loop around your anchor, the knot & a substantial "tail" so the end of the rope doesn't slip through your knot. If it's above your present skill levels, it probably isn't a good idea to do.... Just sayin'

 

[Ben Egbert]

Thanks, and Monica, I was hoping to get a response from you because I konw you climb, maybe get Jim Dockery to chime in too.

Jim, I checked Amazoon and they have plenty of stuff, but I need to know what to watch out for. Most are short emergancy jobs or kids play ropes.

Alan, I could make my own, maybe I will.

I am 77, I still have my balance and am in pretty good shape, but I am certainly no climbing expert. The incline I did today was obviosly being used by fishermen. But I had 15 pounds of stuff on my back and was slipping on the skree. The river is never more than 2 feet deep and maybe 15 feet wide. So its really just a fast stream. I will show the image wednsday.

I could probably do this with just a rope. I had walking poles, but they did not offer enough leverage.

 

[Jeffrey]

Ben, we're too old for that. It is more wise to know what not to do, than what to do.

 

[Zeph]

I agree that caution is required, but a simple Manila or Sisal Rope can come in very handy with getting a shot. Always plan your route and if coming back the same way as you went down, then leave the bulky stuff up top, that way your family gets the gear, if you don't make it back

 

[JimFox]

Ben, do you only need to get down in one spot and then you can traverse along the river from down next to it? Or will you be looking to use a rope to get down in multiple locations?

 

[JimFox]

https://www.amazon.com/Saf-Escape-P...rd_wg=Ae75n&psc=1&refRID=2B93NF6JP28DM140THN0

This is a 45 foot escape chain ladder. You would have to modify the top to anchor it, but something like this would not take a lot of space, but work. I think something like this is better then just a simple rope with knots that you then have to pull yourself up with. The steps will make it easier.

But yeah, caution is definitely needed to be used.

 

[Ben Egbert]

Thanks guys, I just realized, most of these places go down at an angle, so a rope of any type won't work. These are the typical fisherman trails and the incline is that made when they put in the road. I used to go up and down those trails with waders back in my fly fishing and more nimbal days. Its basically an old mans helper I am seeking here. I suspect most of you could do it without a rope. I probably could have 10 years ago.

But I have another idea. One of the places I saw, and the best of them all is straight down, and where I can park my truck next to it. I may get myself a tow rope for the truck, not a bad thing to have anyway. I am pretty sure I could get down and up with a rope.

 

[Ben Egbert]

https://www.amazon.com/Saf-Escape-P...rd_wg=Ae75n&psc=1&refRID=2B93NF6JP28DM140THN0

This is a 45 foot escape chain ladder. You would have to modify the top to anchor it, but something like this would not take a lot of space, but work. I think something like this is better then just a simple rope with knots that you then have to pull yourself up with. The steps will make it easier.

But yeah, caution is definitely needed to be used.

Boy, this would certainl work for places with straight down access. O need to go check some of the out again and maybe measure the distance while I am there.