Quiz: What happens if you don’t have a stick clip and don’t feel safe doing the moves to the first bolt?
Well, if it ain’t your first rodeo, you know how to lasso that clip! Rodeo clipping involves swinging a bight of rope into a prehung draw overhead allowing for a top rope. The technique is simple in theory but much harder in practice.
How to Rodeo Clip
1. Form a loop in the lead rope a few inches longer than your outstretched arm. Position yourself facing the rock, below the first draw or if you’re hanging on lead, in a solid swinging position. The lower biner must be hanging free from the rock.
2. There are two ways to swing and hit the draw. The granny overswing involves looping the rope over your head and tossing the loop at the biner. The other method involves taking the loop between your index and pinky fingers and swinging the loop like an airplane propeller. Spin the rope parallel to the rock and clockwise if the biner gate is facing left and counter-clockwise if the biner is facing right. Gradually add rope to make increasingly larger circles, zeroing in on the biner’s gate.
3. Now, all you have to do it hit the biner! It’s easier said than done. If you hit the drag – congratulations! Make sure you are not back clipped before tying in and beginning to climb.
Your turn! This advanced party trick is sure to get you automatic cool points if you do it first try!
