Starting caving as a larger chap

[Steve Clark]

For the narrow pipes, I’ve found it helps to make the footloop much longer than normal. You can have the jammer up near your face where there is more space. You can then take tiny steps up one leg.

The pantin does help but when you’re in a pipe there’s a tendency to bend your leg backwards (like a horse kick) and this automatically disconnects the pantin. Then no easy way to re-attach it.

If you can get the timing right, being in a pipe does make rope walking quite easy with a pantin. Long footloop, slack chest harness. Tiny 4” steps with easy foot. Both hands up above your head, one moving the hammer at the right time. Very fast.

I don’t like the idea of the optional pantin security catch. I certainly would use that anywhere I can’t easy reach my own feet. Acknowledging that there is also a risk of getting stuck if it detaches.

I think the principle of having another caver either side of the most ‘vulnerable’ caver is the best strategy. Be them novices, injured, big or just tired. Help from above and below.

On the plus side, being heavy is a massive advantage for hauling people.

 

[Cantclimbtom]

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Probably a digression from the original post, but not sure if OP is still reading a d responding?
With you on the Pantin. I do have a security catch on mine and I do find a Pantin very useful but a pain in the rear to detach in very tight space although so far I've managed by having knee out to side as narrow but wide, but in a pipe that would be a liability. Worth remembering though that is it is that tight, rather than pantin you can often chimney it l. I think sometimes people (myself included) can focus on the rope too much and forget that just climbing up can be easier sometimes, with the jammers kind of self belaying.