Wall Practice

Queen's University Belfast Caving Club
November 2017

Background
The below images are a joint photography exercise between Brendan Digney Photography and myself, Paul McCarron. Brendan, although being a pilot, has a fear of heights, and is not correctly trained in using rope access techniques. Thus, I had the great task of heading up on the wall to take some action shots, whilst Brendan remained with his two feet firmly planted on the ground. Proper rope access techniques were used at all times, with the type of rope access being used normally referred to as SRT (Single Rope Technique). 

The purpose of the shoot was to provide some material for Queen’s Sport’s “Get Active” campaign, which is targeted towards all ages, promoting them to get active in all that is offered in a Queen’s Sport membership – and show that all sports are for all ages. The images were then kindly donated to Queens University’s Caving Club for use as advertising material for the club. 

What do Single Rope Techniques Involve? 
SRT is a set of methods used to descend and ascend on the same single rope. It is used in caving, potholing, rock climbing, canyoning and rope access for building maintenance or by arborists for tree climbing. For more information on SRT, visit the Wikipedia page on single-rope technique. 

If you would like to join Queen's Caving and Potholing Club, send an email to caving@qub.ac.uk

Niall O'Rourke stylishly ascending