New BMC Belaying & Abseiling Leaflet released

The BMC have released a new leaflet/pdf on belaying and abseiling. The leaflet has been updated to keep up with changes in belay devices. The booklet includes greater emphasis on 'assisted braking devices' such as the Grigri 2 or Eddy; these devices have sometimes incorrectly been referred to as 'auto-locking' - this term is misleading because the devices do not allow you to belay hands free. They merely assist in holding a climber; you should always keep hold of the braking end of the rope.

The leaflet also deals with the importance of matching your belay device with your rope. Many ropes are thinner than ever, and new dry treatments on a rope can make them feel even slicker in a belay device. Download the leaflet from here:

http://www.thebmc.co.uk/News.aspx?id=4332

Direct pdf link.

Image from BMC website.

BMC looking for new UIAA/CEN Representative

The BMC are looking to recruit a new UIAA/CEN Representative. The representative post will involve attending annual UIAA and CEN meetings to "ensure that the views and practices of UK climbers are included in the decision making processes when new standards are drawn up, and existing standards modified."

The representative would also "be expected to join the BMC Technical Committee and provide reports on the work of the UIAA/CEN groups" and should come from an engineering or other techincal background.

http://www.thebmc.co.uk/News.aspx?id=2949