2.2.6 Redirects
Because of the way that force is applied at redirects , it may be possible to redirect a climbing rope at a point where it would ordinarily be unsafe to install a primary anchor point .
In the image above , the red climber has installed their top anchor at Point A . Their preferred anchor point ( Point B ) was deemed unsuitable due to the angle of the leader and the direction in which force would be applied . As the climber moves out along the branch below , their rope angle deteriorates . Whilst they can reach the branch end by maintaining a lanyard attachment to prevent pendulum swing , it will be challenging to perform a rescue from this position .
As previously discussed , maintaining a good rope angle is one of the fundamentals of safe and efficient tree climbing .
When the anchor point is directly above a climber , movement is easy and the climbing rope offers good support and protection against the risk of a pendulum swing .
As the rope angle increases , the rope offers less support , and the climber becomes vulnerable to a dangerous pendulum swing .
Redirects are a way of providing a climber with a better rope angle without removing and resetting the main anchor point .
The blue climber has chosen a better strategy . Whilst the two redirect points marked C in the picture would not be suitable as primary anchor points , the climber has set their ropes so that the force applied to each point acts as compression directly down the arm of the branch . The blue climber will comfortably and safely be able to perform a rescue at the end of the branch below .
Using redirects well requires a good understanding of the way that forces are applied to structures by a loaded rope . Forces and tree anchors are described in Chapter 2.3 of this manual . Rescue climbers should ensure they have a solid understanding of these topics before installing anchor points in trees .
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