How to Tie Knots in Webbing

Rock climbing offers participants a great opportunity to exercise and enjoy the great outdoors. Certain risks come along with the sport, however. Most notably, falls from a tall rock face often cause serious injuries or worse. One way to reduce the risk associated with rock climbing is learning to tie the appropriate knots in your gear. Webbing generally makes up the straps on climbing harnesses and other important equipment. Two important knots apply specifically to webbing. The water knot attaches two separate pieces of webbing together. The girth hitch allows climbers to attach a webbing loop or sling to your harness.

Instructions

  1. Girth Hitch

    • 1

      Slide one loop of the webbing strap beneath the harness or rope you're tying it to.

    • 2

      Guide the other end of the webbing around the harness or rope and through the loop.

    • 3

      Pull it tight, making sure the webbing lies flush with the harness or rope.

    Water Knot

    • 4

      Tie an overhand knot in the end of the first piece of webbing. Ensure the knot sits neatly but loose enough to allow the second piece of webbing to pass through.

    • 5

      With the second piece of webbing, tie an overhand knot around the first knot. Follow the first knot in the exact opposite direction, threading the leading end of the second piece of webbing through the first knot. The leading end of the second piece of webbing should run parallel to and flush with the longer end of the first piece.

    • 6

      Tighten the knot by pulling.