Frog Changeovers

Ascending to Descending

By

D.W. Miller and A.D. Leedy

 

If using a full size rack see steps 1a-4a. If using a micro or small-framed rack go to step 1b-5b.

Step 1a: Attach the short end of your cowstail to the handle of your upper ascender and move it up the rope until it is tight.

 

Step 2a: Stand in your foot loop enough so that you can open your cam on your chest ascender ( DO NOT REMOVE FROM ROPE ) and shift your weight to your upper ascender. You should now be able to slightly open the cam on your chest ascender and pull enough rope through to attach your rack and lock it off. By wrapping the rope around your foot it will help keep it from falling back through your chest ascender.

 

 

 

Step 3a: Attach your rack below your upper ascender as close as possible and LOCK IT OFF. Remove your chest ascender from the rope, stand up and remove the short end of your cowstail from the handle of your ascender.

 

 

Step 4a: Lower your weight to the rack while making sure your attachment carabiner is properly oriented. Now you are ready to remove your upper ascender and rappel.

 

 

 

Step 1b: Stand up so your chest ascender is 2-3 inches from your hand ascender.

 

Step 2b: Rig your rack below your chest ascender as close to it as possible and LOCK IT OFF.

 

Step 3b: Stand up in your foot loop, release your chest ascender and remove it from the rope.

 

 

 

Step 4b: Making sure your descender is locked off; carefully lower your weight to it while checking that your descenders attachment carabiner is properly oriented.

 

Step 5b: Your weight should now be completely on your descender and there should be enough slack in your cowstail to remove the upper ascender from the rope. Once removed you are ready to unlock the descender and rappel.