Tying knots is an extremely important skill for all climbers, but especially for those in extreme sports. Anchoring yourself and tying correct knots can keep you and your climbing partners safe. If you do not tie knots correctly, it could cause an unprotected fall. Learn some basic harness knots before you begin climbing.
Bowline Knot
The bowline knot is one of the most popular knots used in a climbing harness because it is versatile and can be tied with one hand. Even if some weight has been put on the harness, you can still tie this knot. It is created by making a loop in the rope just a few feet from the end. Then pass the edge of the rope over the loop and then through it. This is a sturdy knot for anchoring weight on a climbing harness.
Stopper Knot
Also known as a double overhand, the stopper knot is tied right at the end of the rope. It is best suited for rappelling and may be used along with other knots that keep the rope from untying. A stopper knot secures bowling knots and figure-eight knots, which help climbers throw the rope farther by adding weight to it. Use this harness knot if you want to throw the rope over bushes, ledges and walls.
Slip Knot
A slip knot is the simplest of all knots. However, it is not very strong and therefore is used only for tying temporary knots. Most climbers use it as a second backup knot to anchor themselves or large weights onto the rope. This knot is called a slip knot because when the end of the rope is tugged, the knot becomes tighter. However, when the other end of the rope is pulled, the knot gets loosened. This knot is considered useful because it is very easy to tie as well as loosen.
Figure Eight Knot
The figure eight knot is useful for securing harnesses on a climbing rope. There are two ways to tie this knot. The type of figure eight knot you tie usually depends on what you will use it for. To tie this knot, you need to pull the rope through the harness loop. The knot got this name because it looks like the numeral 8.
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