The z-drag, klemheist prusik, munter hitch, releasable top belay system, alpine butterfly, lark's foot? This was the technical terminology being employed by the Blue Mountains guiding community on Monday (February 1) as they practised their rigging and rescue skills on the cliffs of Narrow Neck at Katoomba.
Canyoning, rock climbing and abseiling are some of the most popular activities for visitors to the Mountains and the professional guides who take people on these activities need to be highly skilled. Because of their professionalism, guides can sometimes go years without having to conduct a real rescue on the towering sandstone cliffs or in the deep slot canyons of the world heritage Blue Mountains, so training days are crucial for keeping skill levels high.
The training exercise was organised by Dylan Jones, owner of Blue Mountains Adventure Company, which features safety and quality as two of its core values. Mr Jones said: "Prevention is much better than a cure, but things don't always go according to plan, so guides need to be able to perform rescues in unforeseen circumstances. Ensuring there is a swift response to any issue that may arise means customers have a quality experience as well as a safe one."
The guides also heard from Callum Boase, an instructor at Penrith Whitewater Stadium. Moving water sometimes confronts guides, particularly in canyons, and Mr Boase spoke about how to identify dangers, conduct rescues and operate safely.