Simon Wilson
New member
At last, a discussion about descenders which is thoughtful and informed for a change.
My mother used to teach machine knitting and was often frustrated by students wanting to machine knit who didn't know how to hand knit. Someone using a Stop should already understand the basic principal that the device provides friction and that the amount of friction is controlled by tension on the live rope - Simples.
The widespread use of the Stop in caving is a peculiarly British thing and that has developed because of the self perpetuation of it's use. If people become accustomed to using the Stop they will almost inevitably never appreciate the many advantages of the Simple.
My mother used to teach machine knitting and was often frustrated by students wanting to machine knit who didn't know how to hand knit. Someone using a Stop should already understand the basic principal that the device provides friction and that the amount of friction is controlled by tension on the live rope - Simples.
The widespread use of the Stop in caving is a peculiarly British thing and that has developed because of the self perpetuation of it's use. If people become accustomed to using the Stop they will almost inevitably never appreciate the many advantages of the Simple.