MOUNTAIN WALKING

Information sheets

A sample trip planning sheet. This single-page sheet covers the basic information that would be needed if someone needed to know where you had gone or needed to get hold of a relative of one of the group members. The idea is to leave one copy with someone who will take action if you do not return on time. Feel free to adapt this to suit your needs or even to use it as is.

WOLKBERG RESCUE REGISTER

The PDF format rescue register used at Wolkberg. You can print this out and complete it beforehand. Punch holes in it and put into the rescue register file when you arrive.

THE TEN ESSENTIALS

When you are heading out there are 10 essential items that you need to carry (or at least seriously think WHY you choose not to carry them). Here is my version of that list.

MAP DATUM

What is map datum? Why is it important? How do I know what the datum is of the map I am using?

Navigation data

WOLKBERG ROUTES

A map of the more northern part of the Wolkberg Wilderness Area with possible hiking ways-to-go overlaid on it. It doesn`t quite cover the northern-most section of the reserve (Stylkop) but it does cover the part the most people will visit if they`re going for a short hike (4 days or less). These routes have been collected on various trips. Some are GPS tracklogs, others are drawn after-the-fact. Assume that all data is incorrect - my memory may be faulty and so might my GPS. Use this data at your own peril! Furthermore, please note that some of these routes are downright dangerous [Marked with SKULL & CROSS BONES]- do not assume that anything will be safe just because someone else has been there.

The copyright holder for the base map (Map 2340AA: SERALA in the SA 1:50 000 series) is the SA Chief Directorate: Surveys and Mapping. Further info on Wolkberg hiking may be found here

ROPE RESCUE

Student handouts

ABSEIL SETUP

A sample abseil setup for a rescue context.

FIGURE-8 LOCK-OFF

One method of locking off a figure-8 descender.

MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE

When you are heading out there are 10 essential items that you need to carry (or at least seriously think WHY you choose not to carry them). Here is my version of that list.

T-METHOD ANALYSIS

The T-Method is a methodical approach to analysing mechanical advantage systems in rescue.

CHANGE ASCENT TO DESCENT

One way of changing from ascending to abseiling whilst free-hanging on the rope. In this case a rope-grab has been used instead of a chest ascender for no other reason than that our students (at High Angle I level) are required to improvise a chest ascender from whatever gear they have.

CHANGE DESCENT TO ASCENT

One way of executing a change-over from abseil to ascent whilst free-hanging on the rope. In this case a rope-grab has been used instead of a chest ascender for no other reason than that our students (at High Angle I level) are required to improvise a chest ascender from whatever gear they have.

ASCEND PAST A KNOT

One way of ascending past a knot whilst free-hanging on the rope. In this case a rope-grab has been used instead of a chest ascender for no other reason than that our students (at High Angle I level) are required to improvise a chest ascender from whatever gear they have.

ALPINE STRETCHER BRIDLE

How to construct a stretcher bridle using accessory cord. This is a variation on the Yosemite Bridle

ABSEILING

Student handouts

MOUNTAIN WALKING

Information sheets

Navigation data

ROPE RESCUE

Student handouts

HELICOPTER RESCUE

Student handouts

Information sheets