Vertical Skills Stage 7

Vertical Skills - Stage 7 Competencies & Requirements

1. I have completed a climbing route over a 30 degree incline, either on an ice climb, glacier or frozen snow field.
   • The completed climb can be a top rope, second or lead climb and is to be a climb of a minimum of a half a rope length.
2. I have constructed and used a highline (also called Tyrolean Traverse or Aerial Runway).
   • The construction it to be out of engineered purpose-built climbing equipment.
   • The weight of one person must be moved from one side of the highline to another.
3. I have been caving or on a via ferrata.
   • Notes: Via ferrata routes are offered by commercial companies and can be found in both the east and west of Canada.
   • Nationally, caving is generally controlled buy a small number of caving clubs. It is best for Scouts to contact one of these clubs to obtain assistance for this requirement.
   • There are caving clubs in both the east and west of Canada.
4. I have completed a single pitch mock lead climb on a natural (not constructed) climbing site.
   • The climbing Scout is belayed on a top rope belay safety rope.
   • The climbing Scout is also tied into a second rope belayed from the ground up; this rope is to be clipped into carabiners attached to pre- set protection placements on the climbing route.
   • The climbing Scout is to be belayed with a ground up belay in a fashion consistent with a method used as if the Scout was making an actual non-mock lead climb.
5. I have used utility cord and a friction knot/system as protection on a rappel.
   • Scouts demonstrate the use of a prussik knot or other suitable friction knot that attaches the climber to the rappel rope as a redundant back up in case of rappel device failure/malfunction or loss of control by the rappeller.
6. I know the difference between a dynamic and static climbing rope, and where and when these ropes types are used.
   • Scouts can describe the climbing activities for which dynamic and static climbing ropes are suitable.
   • Scouts can describe the functional differences of dynamic and static climbing rope.