One of the most significant equipment of adventure parks, zip lines, climbing courses, and outdoor training is a rope course harness. You might have seen a rope harness while attempting your first time on an adventure course, or you may be an adventure facility manager.
Rope harnesses are used for work and recreation involving heights, providing fall protection and support for suspension, to safely connect a person to a rope system, allowing for safe ascent, descent, and positioning. However, either way, it is important to know how a rope course harness functions and why it is important. In this article, we will explain everything about the rope course harness.
What Is a Rope Course Harness
A ropes course harness is safety gear that is put on the waistline and the legs and joins a participant to a security system. It would be adjusted to hold the body weight and avoid severe injuries in case of a slip or fall. High rope courses, obstacle courses, zip lines, climbing walls, and challenge courses are typically equipped with harnesses.
A rope course harness is constructed with high-quality webbing, reinforced stitching and well-secured attachment points, unlike a regular belt or strap.
Importance of Rope Harness
The main reason to use a harness on a rope course is safety. Rope courses tend to include high platforms, swinging points, and balance issues. The harness prevents strain and maintains a safe position of the body by having an equal distribution of weight between the hips and legs in case a person loses balance.
An adjustable rope course harness:
- Stops injuries that come as a result of falls.
- Gives confidence to newcomers.
- Brings about a focus on experience rather than fear by the participants.
- Helps the user comply with the safety requirements.
Types of Rope Harness
A rope course harness has various types, which suit various requirements.
- Full-body harness
This kind of support is used on the legs, waist and upper body. It is commonly applied to children or those who are new, since it will be the most stable and will not tip over on its back.
- Sit harness
Sit harnesses are used to support the waist and legs and are usually applied to adults and experienced participants. They also provide greater freedom of movement and provide high protection.
- Adjustable harness
Harnesses of rope courses are adjustable and can fit a great variety of sizes. They suit well in adventure parks where a lot of various individuals utilize the same equipment.
Materials and Design
High-strength polyester or nylon webbing is used as the durable material of a quality rope course harness. These materials are selected because they are capable of taking heavy loads and are resistant.
Key design features include:
- Added strength by reinforced stitching.
- Buckles made of metal or high-grade alloy.
- Clearly indicated points of attachment.
- Comfort padding to be worn for long-term use.
Choosing the Rope Harness
Consider the following factors before choosing the harness:
- Application and type of activity.
- The age and the size of the participants.
- Comfort and adjustability
- Adherence to safety standards.
- Convenience of inspection and maintenance.
