[pct-l] Stream crossings and rope

[Scott Bryce]

On 1/18/2011 11:11 PM, ned at mountaineducation.org wrote:
> Parachute cord, or any other kind of rope anchor to a fixed object on
> the bank of a swiftwater stream to aid in crossing is a fatal
> mistake. If you loose your balance and fall under, hanging onto the
> rope will only take you further under. Not a good idea. Consult your
> local swiftwater rescue personnel in your area for more info on
> this.

Ray Jardine addressed this in his PCT Hikers Handbook. It like a kite.
The more you tug on the string, the higher the wind takes the kite.
Only, in this case, the water is pulling you down as you pull on the rope.

He wrote that he had tried numerous ways to use ropes to assist in
stream crossings, and in every case, the rope makes the stream crossing
more dangerous.