Article by Leoni Dennis
Any knot will reduce a rope's strength by one third to one half. So while these knots aren't 'stronger' than many others, our students learn how to tie them because they are easy to identify and untie.
Being able to easily identify a knot is key. It enables others to double check our rope systems and we can be confident that we have a secure knot. Having knots that we can untie is important so that we can use our ropes for multiple purposes as well as inspect properly for wear points.
Dressing your knots (adjusting them before tightening so that they are free of kinks and twists) also makes them easier to identify and untie.
These 8 knots are fairly quick to learn and have multiple uses:
Figure 8 Stopper Knot
Figure 8 on a Bight
Figure 8 Follow Through Bight
Figure 8 Follow Through Loop
Three wrap Prusik
Alpine Butterfly Knot
Water Knot - Webbing
The Munter Hitch
If you'd like to learn even more knots, along with other topics such as how to handle hypothermia, general whitewater safety & rescue principles, and much more, you can enroll in our Free Online Introductory Whitewater Safety & Rescue course.
