Aquanchor- it being used, how it works and how it was built.

[RAM]

I hope all on Canyons and the Bog will indulge me posting this on the new canyoneering association board of American Canyoneers and linking all to it. I think it is an interesting post and posting it there this time honors a dozen folks who are working hard toward Access, Conservation, education and safety goals for all.; Please feel free to cross post content from the established boards over on american Canyoneers too. It is not ibn competion with the blogs and belongs to us all

here is a photo collection of the application of the Auganchor

https://picasaweb.google.com/aramv14/WatertrapAnchorApplied?authkey=Gv1sRgCN_67-GPlraAyAE

Then a demo

https://picasaweb.google.com/aramv14/WaterBagVideo#5477484498946189938

What the spot looked like in lower water 5 months earlier. This picture and the next 7
https://picasaweb.google.com/aramv14/Rhapsody42412#5737372194377659874

Jenny the inventor of the Auganchor and her visual how to build one, picture book
http://www.flickr.com/photos/carverat297/sets/72157628062414488/

[Brian in SLC]

Seems more simple to just use a 3/8" diameter by 3" deep solution rather than upset the fragile environment...

59726

[RAM]

Seems more simple to just use a 3/8" diameter by 3" deep solution rather than upset the fragile environment...

59726

our impact could not have been but a very tiny fraction of the flood that passed through less than 24 hours earlier. If the pot is emptier (no recent flood) our impact is also minimal and other anchor options abound. Fill with a few gallons and deposit it one pot lower during the pull. Much less impacts that harvesting rocks for cairns or deadmen or drilling holes...

[summitseeker]

Interesting. Thanks for posting.

[PG Rob]

Thanks Ram. I especially like the step by step build instructions.

Rob

[Mountaineer]

I have thought about a water mechanism vs. sand. Having the ability to do both is useful depending on the conditions.

Recently, when we were in Foolin' Around there was a pothole section that looked fun to do, but could be bypassed on the left (down canyon side). We knew there had to be a deadman anchor in the first pothole somewhere, as other's descriptions mentioned going that way, but they were all full of water. Obviously, if the anchor was still in there it would have been impossible to properly inspect. The lip was smooth, and a hook placement was sketchy. The options were limited. We were glad for the bypass, and found the deadman anchor about 200' down canyon...

Very efficient. Thanks for sharing.

[Brian in SLC]

Much less impacts that harvesting rocks for cairns or deadmen or drilling holes...

In case you couldn't read the fine print, from the BLM, in Utah:


A pothole is a unique habitat that is easily destroyed. Please respect the delicate balance in these pools of life and avoid splashing or disturbing them whether wet or dry!

Think of the children...

[Iceaxe]

In case you couldn't read the fine print, from the BLM, in Utah:


FWIW: Potholes and how to manage them is also currently an issue inside Arches National Park. There is some talk about banning canyoneering on any route that swims through a pothole.... there is some talk of grandfathering in the current established routes that swim potholes and banning any further such routes...

It seems to me as if Dragonfly would be most effected by a ban, and it is also one of the primer routes inside the park. You can do Dragonfly without the pothole section, but then its just a so-so route.

59742

[Deathcricket]

Interesting. Also a lot of manual work significantly lowering the water level for it to function. Why not just bring a huge hose to siphon it out? Also wondering if the next group through appreciates having a purposefully created obstacle and slight increase in difficulty as well. When you arrived it was an easy escape and now it's a group effort. This seems to interfere with the "leave no trace" methodology to me. Water in the desert is a precious resource.

Here is some used fire hose. I bet 3 sections 6-7' long would weigh barely anything and allow you to empty the potholes quickly. 50 feet for only $25.
http://www.firehosesupply.com/collections/scrap-fire-hose/products/scrap-hose-1-5-single-jacket

[Mountaineer]

This seems to interfere with the "leave no trace" methodology to me. Water in the desert is a precious resource.

I've thought about this quite a bit today. A valid point, and would like to hear other people chime in. I know many have argued the "no bolt" ethic. Others feel bolts are fine. It was a great discussion point around lunch today!

How much damage to the ecosystem do we do by walking through water contained potholes? How does our shoes/packs emptying some water out in subsequent sections compare to splashing water out as demonstrated here?

We go literally out of our way to avoid the crypto, even if it means another several hundred feet of walking. Maybe we should also take a second to empty our pack behind us before we continue on...

[Brian in SLC]

The impact of fixed anchors is mostly an emotional one...

When you consider that the dirt displaced from the placement of 600 3/8" by 3" bolts fills a mere liter water bottle...

[RAM]

Interesting. Also a lot of manual work significantly lowering the water level for it to function. Why not just bring a huge hose to siphon it out? Also wondering if the next group through appreciates having a purposefully created obstacle and slight increase in difficulty as well. When you arrived it was an easy escape and now it's a group effort. This seems to interfere with the "leave no trace" methodology to me. Water in the desert is a precious resource.

.....canyons have potholes. Ban passage in Heaps, Imlay, Black hole and a many more? This canyon had flashed less than 24 hours before. A large slickrock basin is right above. It flashes often. The water will sink or evaporate or both almost immediately and continue over a period of time. Water was moved from one pothole to another. The pothole used can be bypassed easily so no one is impacted. There are no established anchors in the canyon. It has seen 4 descents in 2 years so a pissed off group behind you is not a likely problem, nor is there a need for the watertrap in trade routes. It could come in handy where deadman anchors are buried by recent storms. Last time I saw this pothole we used was in April. It was 8 feet deep, dry and barren. Emptying a pothole that size about 8 inches is very easy when its not a swimmer. Takes 10 minutes. Much harder and slower while swimming or twisting on the rim. I captured on video all the boys being silly and having fun. It was not the project it seemed. Below this section was some very vigorous high stemming and the day is long of approach and canyon. Less is more, on gear you have to carry.

Perhaps this part is being missed.....this anchor is one tool of a large kit. It gets used when it is the best option, in the groups opinion, which is maybe daily in the conditions it gets used most often in. It fills a niche. The niche is open pothole areas, right after storms and some other spots devoid of other anchor material. The sandtrap and fiddlestick gets used way more often. Everything in its proper place, at its proper time. Its good to have and know how to use it when its called for....fun too.

[Brian in SLC]

Perhaps this part is being missed.....this anchor is one tool of a large kit. It gets used when it is the best option, in the groups opinion, which is maybe daily in the conditions it gets used most often in. It fills a niche. The niche is open pothole areas, right after storms and some other spots devoid of other anchor material. The sandtrap and fiddlestick gets used way more often. Everything in its proper place, at its proper time. Its good to have and know how to use it when its called for....fun too.

Its an interesting thing to ponder, this direction.

Seems more about developing gear and techniques to go with rather than a "less is more" mentality.

As usual, I find a comparison to climbing interesting. Kudos given to physical and mental prowess and toughness, rather than another man made tricky piece of gear to solve a problem.

Sandtraps, water hoses, bags (ya'll are a bunch of hose bags! ha ha), fiddle sticks... Its still rappelling but from more and more uniquely crafted man made devices. Making something usually simple and safe just dangerous. Its murder of the impossible but without the bolts is all. You're still overcoming technical problems with heavy handed man made devices and solutions.

When the young, strong and talented start doing canyons without digging up the sand, draining the pools, building big stacks of UNnatural anchors...then the sport will take an interesting turn. Right now its just a bunch of old has-beens amusing themselves with a silly and dangerous game and trying to impress upon the rest of us poor schmoes that it actually means something.

Silly rabbits, tricks are for kids.

Hee hee hee.

[Deathcricket]

Perhaps this part is being missed.....this anchor is one tool of a large kit. It gets used when it is the best option, in the groups opinion, which is maybe daily in the conditions it gets used most often in. It fills a niche. The niche is open pothole areas, right after storms and some other spots devoid of other anchor material. The sandtrap and fiddlestick gets used way more often. Everything in its proper place, at its proper time. Its good to have and know how to use it when its called for....fun too.

Ahh I did miss some of those points thank you. I feel a lot better knowing you didn't screw the next group over. Although they really should be prepared for anything. I still would prefer a bolt rather than a bag of water, but to each his own. And you guys did look like you're having fun. That's what it's all about. :2thumbs:

[ghawk]

An excellent solution for a specific situation. thanks :2thumbs:

[RAM]

Its an interesting thing to ponder, this direction.


When the young, strong and talented start doing canyons without digging up the sand, draining the pools, building big stacks of UNnatural anchors...then the sport will take an interesting turn. Right now its just a bunch of old has-beens amusing themselves with a silly and dangerous game and trying to impress upon the rest of us poor schmoes that it actually means something.

Silly rabbits, tricks are for kids.

Hee hee hee.

Actually we eldsters are quite fortunate to have some of the young and strong and at times visionary youth you allude to, at our side. What these kids can do! Glad they still still humor us by coming with some of us. Some of the older folks bring some "game" to the table too. It is true that I am an old "has been," if not a "never was." I feel very fortunate to be watching and sharing the benefits to so much innovation, applied to places unknown. Less and less impacts every few months. Haven't stacked rocks this year.And the webbing? used to go through 600 feet a year.Now? maybe 50 feet. And the water thing? Geez? A few gallons of water going a bit down canyon? Horrible!

Some of the aggressive spotting (just me bragging again) and captures (Yes with fun names;-)) is pretty remarkable. When you get folks like Pascal under some of the kids or a pro like Jenny, going last. Just amazing. Seems rappels start at 18 feet and up these days, when you get that talent together. Add the fancy toys that you dis, the toys invented to solve specific problems encountered in the field...well all the more fun. If I come with the intent to share something really creative and fun (and edgy) and am dismissed as an old ego driven coot trying to....what did you say?... impress the schmoes? Is that all you see? Such a high opinion you have of me! Thanks. Gotta go. I will be much more careful about sharing anything in the future, least I be seen as condescending. My sincere apology to those I may have insulted.
Logging off
Ram

[Brian in SLC]

Maybe the device could also be used for a colonic?

Always get a chuckle out of the definitions on this site:

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=douchebag

Lighten up, man, its the interweb.

[hank moon]

Unusually vicious stuff in here...even for the bog.

Brian, if your words mean little or nothing ("...it's the interweb") then why write them?

[JennyMae]

Unusually vicious stuff in here...even for the bog.

Brian, if your words mean little or nothing ("...it's the interweb") then why write them?

Thank you, Hank. I usually don't have thick enough skin to post over here. Risking an onslaught of mean-spirited diatribe from a few, I'll toughen up enough to post a link rather than being brave enough to drop this into the bog. My apologies to all of the kind and civil posters/readers on this forum. It is a shame that the squeaky wheels/nuts get so much attention.
This, the history of the Aguanchor (from my perspective)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/canyons/message/65997

[Iceaxe]

Unusually vicious stuff in here...even for the bog.

Maybe I've been here too long.... but I didn't see anything as being unusually vicious...

The subject of how does the Aquanchor effect the micro environments of potholes was raised and that is a legitimate concern. This subject is something a board member of 'American Canyoneer' should be highly tuned to, because the subject is on the radar of both the BLM and National Park Service and is likely to have an effect on future canyoneering access.

The subject of taking something as simple as rappelling and making it uber dangerous was raised. And that again is a legitimate concern and has been a pet-peeve of Brian in SLC (among others) for a long time.

The subject of packing along yet more gear was raised, which again is a legitimate concern. This packing a special tool for every rare encounter possible goes against the principle of "lighter is righter" that many of us hold dear to our heart. Many of us tackle projects in small two man teams and not the giant siege machine capable of packing so much specialized equipment.

When subjects like the Aquanchor are shown on Bogley they are typically critiqued and constructive critisisum (along with snarky remarks) offered. Criticism can be taken as hurtful and demoralizing, it can also be viewed in a positive way: it is honesty, and it can spur us to do better. It’s an opportunity to improve.

:cool2:

[Moose Droppings]

Maybe I've been here too long.... but I didn't see anything as being unusually vicious...

The subject of how does the Aquanchor effect the micro environments of potholes was raised and that is a legitimate concern. This subject is something a board member of 'American Canyoneer' should be highly tuned to, because the subject is on the radar of both the BLM and National Park Service and is likely to have an effect on future canyoneering access.

The subject of taking something as simple as rappelling and making it uber dangerous was raised. And that again is a legitimate concern and has been a pet-peeve of Brian in SLC (among others) for a long time.

The subject of packing along yet more gear was raised, which again is a legitimate concern. This packing a special tool for every rare encounter possible goes against the principle of "lighter is righter" that many of us hold dear to our heart. Many of us tackle projects in small two man teams and not the giant siege machine capable of packing so much specialized equipment.

When subjects like the Aquanchor are shown on Bogley they are typically critiqued and constructive critisisum (along with snarky remarks) offered. Criticism can be taken as hurtful and demoralizing, it can also be viewed in a positive way: it is honesty, and it can spur us to do better. It’s an opportunity to improve.

:cool2:


+1

[Brian in SLC]

Unusually vicious stuff in here...even for the bog.

Brian, if your words mean little or nothing ("...it's the interweb") then why write them?

Yeah, came off kinda harsh, eh? I didn't say they meant little or nothing. There's some issues to debate, for sure. I tried to adjust the tone with the "hee hee hee" bit at the end but some folks will read some type of malice into it, rather than the spirit in which is was intended, which, was light hearted.

If you got your feelings hurt, then, I'm sorry.

Was kinda pointy, eh? And, I left the douchbag reference wide open as it could certainly apply to me.

I certainly appreciate folks that are developing techniques and gettin' out and having fun. But, there is an air of elitism to it. I hear it at the parties, around the campfire, and, when I get a whiff of it on the internet, I does raise the fur on the back of my neck a bit.

Can't help but thinking all this sketchy anchor BS you guys do is going to get someone killed. Everyone wants to follow the cool kids over the cliff. Ya'll are Pied Pipers. Sometimes I think you toss this stuff out there fairly casually. And, seems like most all of you have been hurt in recent years too, from blown down climbs, anchors failing, etc. Only a matter of time that someone gets killed.

This sketchy anchoring business is pushing a pretty dangerous agenda out there to the masses. All to avoid placing a fixed anchor?

There has to be balance.

[canyondevil]

Thanks for sharing the Aguanchor, Ram and Jenny. Some of us really enjoy looking for new ideas and different ways of solving problems. To me, these tools are one of the things that makes things exciting. And they give me something to play with at home between trips.

[hank moon]

Maybe I've been here too long.... but I didn't see anything as being unusually vicious...


This: "Right now its just a bunch of old has-beens amusing themselves with a silly and dangerous game and trying to impress upon the rest of us poor schmoes that it actually means something."

Doesn't fit the model of criticism that would usually be "viewed in a positive way" Gratuitous violence doesn't encourage good conversation. Nasty words followed by an attempt to nullify/temper it with "hee hee" doesn't tend to further the legitimate points raised in the convo - it tends to derail it. The post would have been better without that part.

[Iceaxe]

Gotcha Hank... as I said, I've been around here along time and have a tendency to skim past the snarky remarks and get to the point of a post, which were valid arguments....

FWIW: I enjoyed viewing the Aquanchor and it's use.... there is not a chance in hell I'd ever use one because I'd prefer to use the space in my pack for more versatile tools. That and it appears a little too sketchy/bulky/specialized for my taste.... but I enjoyed viewing what others are doing....


:popcorn:

[Brian in SLC]

This: "Right now its just a bunch of old has-beens amusing themselves with a silly and dangerous game and trying to impress upon the rest of us poor schmoes that it actually means something."

doesn't fit the model of criticism that would usually be "viewed in a positive way" Gratuitous violence doesn't encourage good conversation.

Neither does overstating with "gratuitous violence". That's just silly.

Maybe the truth hurts, eh? But emotionally...worth some introspection for sure.

Was laughing when I posted it. Still gettin' a chuckle out of it, but, yeah, words can be hurtful especially if it smacks of some measure of honesty...

Didn't mean to stifle the debate either. Certainly didn't want the kids in the sandbox to pack up their toys and go home.

Just thinkin' about this stuff, though, and I had an interesting thought. These new techniques, new exploration, fixed anchors, the sharing of beta...all leads to environmental concerns for the land we're lovin' to death. Is the desert too fragile for mainstream canyoneering by the masses, unwashed or not? I hope not.

Cheers, and, geez, ligthen up, for reals, yo. Group hug! Ha ha...

[hank moon]

Neither does overstating with "gratuitous violence". That's just silly.

"Maybe the truth hurts, eh? But emotionally...worth some introspection for sure."

[deagol]

. Is the desert too fragile for mainstream canyoneering by the masses...

this ^^^

IMO: the answer is yes

[Slot Machine]

Some of the aggressive spotting (just me bragging again) and captures (Yes with fun names;-)) is pretty remarkable. When you get folks like Pascal under some of the kids or a pro like Jenny, going last. Just amazing. Seems rappels start at 18 feet and up these days, when you get that talent together. Add the fancy toys that you dis, the toys invented to solve specific problems encountered in the field...well all the more fun. If I come with the intent to share something really creative and fun (and edgy) and am dismissed as an old ego driven coot trying to....what did you say?... impress the schmoes? Is that all you see? Such a high opinion you have of me! Thanks. Gotta go. I will be much more careful about sharing anything in the future, least I be seen as condescending. My sincere apology to those I may have insulted.
Logging off
Ram

Mr Ram,

Thanks for stopping by and sharing. I'm stoked that you find great joy in testing new techniques and innovative equipment.

I found your water anchor and the ensuing discussion very interesting and educational! As far as I can tell, nobody is certain that the Aquanchor is a safe or even a sensible anchor, hence the lively and worthwhile discussion.

However, I feel that you are departing from the Bog in haste. You are on the cutting edge of canyoneering innovation; of course that is going to bring a slew of criticism. Did you honestly expect otherwise?

What I'm saying is, Ram, please stick around and discuss; we are all learning from your vast amount of experience. :ear:

Respectfully,
Bob

[dude9478]

Brian, I don't know you, but I have to wonder...If you are trying to get a point across, why the name calling? I understand this is the interwebs, but is it really necessary? For me at least, it detracts from the point you are trying to make. Nothing wrong with being cordial to others, and you can still critique without being overly sarcastic.

Ram and Jenny, thank you for posting this. It is a very interesting piece of equipment you have developed. I will be watching to see what developments/improvements you come up with in the future(probably on the yahoo groups...)

Best,
Kevin

[moabmatt]

The subject of how does the Aquanchor effect the micro environments of potholes was raised and that is a legitimate concern. This subject is something a board member of 'American Canyoneer' should be highly tuned to, because the subject is on the radar of both the BLM and National Park Service and is likely to have an effect on future canyoneering access.

The canyons of Glen Canyon NRA have been under a fixed-anchor ban since 2000, so bolts aren't allowed. The watertrap may not be a perfect solution in everyone's eyes, but I see this as a very creative way to abide by current regulations. Necessity is the mother of inventions, after all. I'm pretty excited about all this creativity and I suspect it won't stop here. This invention will likely lead to another that may eliminate or mitigate some of the concerns expressed.

Years ago I was involved in some discussion with the NPS and USGS about potholes in some of the Arches canyons. The distinction was made between "potholes" and "plunge pools," whereby plunge pools are located in drainages that get flooded periodically and potholes are isolated and independent of drainages. The ecology can be very similar in both, containing fairy shrimp and the like, though plunge pools are often less sensitive due to the periodic floods that rip through and upset the ecology. Regardless, I can tell you that the impacts caused by a watertrap anchor to a plunge pool or pothole are extremely trivial compared to the impact of a person entering, exiting and simply being in the plunge pool or pothole (body oils affecting pH balances, splashing and water displacement harming emerging dragonfly nymphs on the wall immediately above waterline, feet trampling eggs and increasing turbidity, etc.). Bolts, generally speaking, won't avoid these more salient impacts because folks will still need to enter the water to traverse over to the bolts. (I suppose bolts could limit human activity in the water if used for guided rappel/tyrolean anchors, though with the current ban on fixed anchors this is not allowable right now anyway).

And Brian, I wouldn't call someone who is out there a hundred plus days a year inventing and testing new devices and techniques that revolutionize an activity we love a "has been." He sounds like far more of a "hardman" than you! Besides, didn't your mama teach you to respect your elders? :haha:

[Scott P]

and testing new devices and techniques that revolutionize an activity we love

It's very cool. but I don't think it's new though. It's similar to the method Steve Allen used decades ago. He used dromedary water sacks to make the first descents (LNT) of canyons like Segars Hole/Squeeze and Quandary direct in the early 1980's. Seeing photos of it is nice.

Pretty cool though, Ram. Hope to do some canyons with you again sometime (soon).

[Iceaxe]

Years ago I was involved in some discussion with the NPS and USGS about potholes in some of the Arches canyons. The distinction was made between "potholes" and "plunge pools," whereby plunge pools are located in drainages that get flooded periodically and potholes are isolated and independent of drainages.

Matt, thanks for the info. :2thumbs:

All I was told is how to manage potholes was under discussion in Arches NP and it could effect some canyoneering routes.

[deagol]

....the impacts caused by a watertrap anchor to a plunge pool or pothole are extremely trivial compared to the impact of a person entering, exiting and simply being in the plunge pool or pothole (body oils affecting pH balances, splashing and water displacement harming emerging dragonfly nymphs on the wall immediately above waterline, feet trampling eggs and increasing turbidity, etc.). ....

This made me think of the potholes on the slickrock areas around Moab that people drive their jeeps into(including and especially the Slickrock Trail), leaving motor oil in the pothole, burned rubber, and chipping the rock surface due to tires spinning and bumpers impacting the rock.

[The Good Cop]

For what it's worth, I had the pleasure of using An "Aquanchor" (we didn't have that clever name then) for the first time this spring. Under the oversight of one who regularly characterizes himself as the least techno-gizmo-capable of the folks I know of who worked on it (Ramoo), the rest of us who had not used it before were able to use it safely & with confidence, including substantial drops that transitioned to free-hanging part way down. It was just darned cool to use it, along with the sandtrap & fiddlestick, to do many drops while leaving nothing behind. We had a range of sizes/weights of folks, and a good-sized group to repeatedly test the anchors while it was backed up in order to gain a high degree of confidence in its security (6 people). And we used techniques appropriate to the available terrain, geometry, etc.

I would be far more cautious attempting to employ these techniques if I were not in the company of folks with the experience & judgement gained through repeated applications of the techniques. Nevertheless, I can foresee with some confidence the future potential for using these techniques - though not likely before I get more time with good mentors. I am patient!

In any case, I encourage great caution with these techniques & there seems to me no better technique than learning from experienced folks (there's a case for a different version of 'show-don't tell' :haha:). But I also believe that they can be used very safely. Judgement! It requires being focused & avoiding mental errors; in my opinion an approach that is hopefully in many canyoneers 'sweet spot'.

Cheers & safe ventures to all,

Wayne

[Bo_Beck]

Maybe the device could also be used for a colonic?

Always get a chuckle out of the definitions on this site:

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=douchebag

Lighten up, man, its the interweb.

Wow! Never would have thought?!

[RAM]

Thanks Kevin. The credit belongs to Jenny. As you predicted, the discussion continued on Canyons group. Many or most followed it over there, but I will provide some information and video, in two posts, along with some links.

Reiterating that this is not an attempt to sell this anchor idea to anyone. They are not for sale anywhere anyway. It is simply an attempt show some forming ideas and encourage innovative thought and discovery in others. Seeds tossed.

Here is a few copied and pasted segment from Canyons group

"We normally carry both the sandtrap and the aguanchor in one potshot. Fits
inside quite nicely and packs small. For kicks, I added the fiddlestick and the edge protector to the package
and weighed it. Including the rapides attached to the anchors that make it
"ready for use," it came in at about 3 lb 6 ozs. for everything including the
potshot.

I grabbed other gear to see what weighs about the same. A 110 foot, 9mm rope
WITHOUT the rope bag is comparable. And the anchor package packs smaller
than the rope. It is hardly the cumbersome package some skeptics have speculated it
to be. It is true that those who have never seen it and don't know how to use it, won't need it. Those that see it and use it, especially the sandtrap (more exposures to the public) tend to fall in love with it."


Another...


"There were a major rainstorm in both the middle of September and one in the
middle of October this fall. The aguanchor got most of it use after these
storms, when so many anchor options were under water. This is a valid niche for
the tool. I am less nervous about canyoneering after storms now."


another...

a short tale. On a canyon out on the Glen, that we made a first modern
descent on, the next to last rap, is a 25 foot overhanging Drop. We
fiddlesticked a log the first time. The 2nd time we went, the log had been
washed away, but a sandtrap had perfect geometry. The 3rd time we visited the
place was after the October storm and this spot was 3 feet deep in water. You
know what we did.

The same spot, three different trips, three different solutions, due to changing
conditions. These systems have been called clunky and heavy handed. Yet nothing
was left. No rocks were farmed, stacked or buried. The sand and water used
stayed pretty much where is was gotten, at the top of the anchor. Pretty nifty
if you ask me.

[RAM]

Disclaimer....

During the making of this video, no rocks were moved or buried. No potholes were entered (just a plunge pool). No children were killed. No murder of the impossible was committed. No "has been's" were spied trying to compensate for their inadequacies. No schmoes were looked down upon, although Brian is free to volunteer again in either role.


The is bonus footage, not included in the coming documentary, Gorging.
I understand several more treats such as this extra footage, are coming your way
soon, along with information about the coming film. looking forward to it.

Here is where the video part of the thread begins, with many replies to the post
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/canyons/message/66644
RAM

Wanna see something pretty cool?

This was the very first test and use of the Aguanchor (May 2011) and the only
footage of how it looks when it empties. Several important improvements have
been made to the device since then.

1- The yellow plastic cord, which takes the PVC sealing device, is now sewn
into the fabric, making for a more secure fastening

2-Webbing has been added to the pull side, in a "Y" shape with an end attaching to
the opposite corner of where the water spills out. That piece is
slightly longer than the side that is attached to the PVC pipe end. The result is the pipe pulls off, the water starts to empty and THEN a second later the back side of the trap pulls up in the air, emptying the water more effectively so that the trap is almost always empty of water before
coming over the drop.

3-You will note some brown leather cloth as part of the system. It has a hole on
each side of it and the rope fits through. It is used for lightweight groove
protection. A small piece of garden hose, with some 8mm rope through it is also
a tool we use for this. It should be noted, as is obvious from the video, the
Aguanchor is very low friction when being pulled. One must be much more vigilant
about friction with the sandtrap. Both these tool accomplish that

http://vimeo.com/53952364

[Deathcricket]

Nice seeing it in action! Very slick/awesome interface/design and it's scary how fast the water drained from it, like 1.5 seconds. I would encourage you guys need to patent this immediately and make some cash off it. Nothing wrong with that. :2thumbs:

I still personally would never feel secure using one though, haha. Maybe if I saw it in person and was more experienced with setting up sketchy anchors..... Naw I still doubt it. But it's very very cool and innovative, thanks for sharing.


Edit: If you don't mind sharing... How did you guys arrive at AGuanchor and not AGua-Anchor, AQua-anchor or such? Is there some cool story or joke behind the name creation?

[ghawk]

Awesome, glad to see it's working well :2thumbs:

[moab mark]

Just don't be the lightest guy at the party:haha:

[deagol]

Plus 1 on the patent thing..

[Slot Machine]

Here is a few copied and pasted segment from Canyons group.

What do we have to get you Yahoos to just migrate over here? It's like asking monks to put down their quills and parchment and pick up a word processor. No? Is all the fancy Bogley formatting TOO appealing to the eye? :lol8:

I'm not being mean spirited, just joking around a bit... :mrgreen:

I do find the content of your drive-by copy & paste very interesting however. Keep up the good work! (not the copy & paste work, the anchor work).

Bob

[Brian in SLC]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPw-3e_pzqU