Our extreme 2,115' long Kootenay Highline in Sedona between Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock in 2007. Counrthouse in the far distance. Bell Rock lazy leg SA frame shown in this photo by Sterling Rope photographer John Burcham.
Courthouse Butte in the distance. Lazy Leg SA Frame in the foreground.
Photo courtesy of John Burcham Photography and Sterling Rope. Bell Rock side Lazy Leg SA Frame at Courthouse to Bell Rock Highline 2007 in Sedona Arizona.
Courthouse Rock side Lazy Leg SA Frame at Courthouse to Bell Rock 2,115' Kootenay Highline 2007 in Sedona Arizona. Lead RTR Instrudtor, Mike Green in blue Sterling Rope shirt. Photo by Reed Thorne
An interesting cantilevered easel leg SA Frame at Deception Gulch near town of Jerome, AZ in 2014 Team Skills Rescue Workshop.
Rob McDowall of Aukland Fire Brigade as edgeman with Lazy Leg SA Frame used at Mt. Arapiles, Victoria, AU during two rope offset in Advanced Skills Rescue Workshop in 2007.
Lazy Leg SA Frame used in Auburn, California venue on edge of Old Auburn Limestone Quarry during Team Skills Rescue Workshop in 2005.
Lazy Leg S A Frame used in Wherepapa, New Zealand for skate block tracking offset operation. Notice lazy leg held into place on rock by AZTEK set of fours.
Aussie Steve Bennet attends to a pseudo "Lazy" leg SA frame used at Mt. Arapiles, Victoria, Australia during simple transportation highline in the Advanced Skills Rescue Workshop in 2007.
Ropes That Rescue "Adopt-A-Highway" on Hwy 89A
RTR has been 'sponsoring' (Adopt-A-Highway) a two mile section of Arizona scenic highway 89-A in Oak Creek Canyon since 1993. This beautiful scenic section is just above Midgley Bridge and includes a spectacular vista of the red rock Mitten Ridge and famous Teapot Rock (just behind the right sign post).
This John William Waterhouse painting illustrates Alfred Tennyson's poem The Lady of Shalott. Draped over the boat is the fabric the lady wove in a tower near Camelot. But she brought a curse on herself by looking directly at Sir Lancelot. With her right hand she lets go of the chain mooring the boat. Her mouth is slightly open, as she sings 'her last song'. She stares at a crucifix lying in front of her. Beside it are three candles, often used to symbolize life. Two have blown out. This suggests her life will end soon, as she floats down the river.
Zion National Park SAR team member descending with litter into narrow slot canyon. Arizona Vortex delta guyed gin pole used as high directional. Right AZTEK guy is held by rock pro in sandstone crack.
Reed Thorne instructing the physics of the gin pole monopod setup on right.
Working with Rob Stringer of Highpoint Access and Rescue in the 2008 Industrial Rescue Workshop in Biloela, Queensland, Australia. Rescuers from all over Australia construct the Arizona Vortex gin pole using quad guying for litter evolutions over a hand rail at the Callide A Power House.
See previous slide.
See previous 2 slides.
See previous 3 slides.
New Zealand Team Skills Rescue Workshop course in 2006 showing an almost textbook gin pole set up with quad guying.
New Zealand Team Skills Rescue Workshop course in 2006 showing an almost textbook gin pole set up with quad guying.
New Zealand Team Skills Rescue Workshop course in 2006 showing an almost textbook gin pole set up with quad guying.
Close up of Arizona Vortex gin pole with delta guying and high directional pulley
Gin pole used in Sedona, Arizona Advanced Skills Rescue Workshop in 2008. Top carriage is holding twin trackline highline. Bottom two pulleys are (1) tagline, and (2) reeve line.
This AZORP topped gin pole was constructed by New Zealand Fire Service instructors at the Rotorua National Fire Training Center in a two week course by Reed Thorne in 2014.
Japanese students in custom program in Oak Creek Canyon erect delta guyed gin pole over the edge of Doe Mountain proudly displaying their flag. The "Nose" of Doe Mountain, seen here, is over 500' overhanging to the ground!
This gin pole is using the AZORP head prototype for the Michigan AHDW (Artificial High Directional Workshop) at CREST in 2012 with Reed Thorne and Dave Van Holstyn.
Ropes That Rescue "Adopt-A-Highway" on Hwy 89A
RTR has been 'sponsoring' (Adopt-A-Highway) a two mile section of Arizona scenic highway 89-A in Oak Creek Canyon since 1993. This beautiful scenic section is just above Midgley Bridge and includes a spectacular vista of the red rock Mitten Ridge and famous Teapot Rock (just behind the right sign post).
This John William Waterhouse painting illustrates Alfred Tennyson's poem The Lady of Shalott. Draped over the boat is the fabric the lady wove in a tower near Camelot. But she brought a curse on herself by looking directly at Sir Lancelot. With her right hand she lets go of the chain mooring the boat. Her mouth is slightly open, as she sings 'her last song'. She stares at a crucifix lying in front of her. Beside it are three candles, often used to symbolize life. Two have blown out. This suggests her life will end soon, as she floats down the river.
V-Frame in Maryland with Hybrid Advancd Rescue Workshop with Mike Green's students in 2018 with Ropes That Rescue. The entire frame is held with several AZTEKs.
"V" Frame used in Sedona, Arizona Advanced Skills Rescue Workshop in 2008. This is virtually an upside down A Frame with quad guying; 2 guys off of each leg (total 4) and a tensioning element in between the two legs on top (AZTEK set of fours).
Using the blue A frame joiner as the bottom connection. We later improved this with the design of a raptor foot connector (seen later)
The V Frame foot consisting of 2 Raptor feet and the blue A Frame (blue) Joiner from the Arizona Vortex. Not optimal in our opinion as it torques the blue head severely, so we went back to the drawing board. See later drawing by Reed Thorne.
V Frame on Doe Mountain in Sedona, Arizona. This was our first use of the new adaptor between the raptor feet of the AZ Vortex.
New Raptor Foot Adapter used on V frame at Encinoso in Oak Creek Canyon
Reed's drawing of Raptor Foot Adaptor which Rock Made in October of 2009. These adaptors are not available from Rock Exotica at this time.
A quad guyed V Frame on Doe Mountain in Dry Creek Canyon, AZ.
Another view of the Raptor Foot Adaptor.
RTR Washington instructor Greg Sobole in hammock fashioned from V frame on Doe Mountain.
RTR Washington instructor Greg Sobole in hammock fashioned from V frame on Doe Mountain.
Ropes That Rescue "Adopt-A-Highway" on Hwy 89A
RTR has been 'sponsoring' (Adopt-A-Highway) a two mile section of Arizona scenic highway 89-A in Oak Creek Canyon since 1993. This beautiful scenic section is just above Midgley Bridge and includes a spectacular vista of the red rock Mitten Ridge and famous Teapot Rock (just behind the right sign post).
This John William Waterhouse painting illustrates Alfred Tennyson's poem The Lady of Shalott. Draped over the boat is the fabric the lady wove in a tower near Camelot. But she brought a curse on herself by looking directly at Sir Lancelot. With her right hand she lets go of the chain mooring the boat. Her mouth is slightly open, as she sings 'her last song'. She stares at a crucifix lying in front of her. Beside it are three candles, often used to symbolize life. Two have blown out. This suggests her life will end soon, as she floats down the river.
From Reed Thorne: The classic Brittish Pre-Raphaelite style John William Waterhouse painting of The Lady of Shalott from the Tenneyson Poem. The painting is my favorite classical piece found in the Tate Museum in London. I stood in awe of it when I visited the Tate in 1974.
During the Prescott Valley 2014 IRW (Industrial Rescue Workshop) at Tim's Toyota, students used two full kits of the Arizona Vortex to make a double A frame. The exercise called for lowering the litter and attendant from the far A frame for a litter scoop, then raising both up, over the top under both frames, and then tunring the evacuation into a skate block to the floor below.
See previous slide.
See previous 2 slides.
Double "A" Frame used in Sedona, Arizona Advanced Skills Rescue Workshop in 2007. A second AZ Vortex blue and orange head assembly is needed for this double A frame set up.
See prrevious slide.
See prrevious 2 slides.
Double A Frame on a rock prominence at Encinoso in Oak Creek Canyon. Here, all AZTEK guying.
NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.
Australian students in the 2014 Blue Mountains OHRW (Offset Highline Rescue Workshop) practice multiple frames at the park headquarters near Blackheath, New South Wales. Here, a Double A Frame clinical setup in a benign setting. Len Batley, Australian Senior RTR Instructor, and Reed Thorne were instructors.
See also "SPECIALTY FRAMES" on this page.
See prrevious slide.
See previous slide.
See also "SPECIALTY FRAMES" on this page.
Australian students in the 2014 Blue Mountains OHRW (Offset Highline Rescue Workshop) practice multiple frames at the park headquarters near Blackheath, New South Wales. Here, an A Frame/SA Frame clinical setup in a benign setting. Len Batley, Australian Senior RTR Instructor, and Reed Thorne were instructors.
See also "SPECIALTY FRAMES" on this page.
Ropes That Rescue "Adopt-A-Highway" on Hwy 89A
RTR has been 'sponsoring' (Adopt-A-Highway) a two mile section of Arizona scenic highway 89-A in Oak Creek Canyon since 1993. This beautiful scenic section is just above Midgley Bridge and includes a spectacular vista of the red rock Mitten Ridge and famous Teapot Rock (just behind the right sign post).
This John William Waterhouse painting illustrates Alfred Tennyson's poem The Lady of Shalott. Draped over the boat is the fabric the lady wove in a tower near Camelot. But she brought a curse on herself by looking directly at Sir Lancelot. With her right hand she lets go of the chain mooring the boat. Her mouth is slightly open, as she sings 'her last song'. She stares at a crucifix lying in front of her. Beside it are three candles, often used to symbolize life. Two have blown out. This suggests her life will end soon, as she floats down the river.
Tandem AHD using the Arizona Vortex for Seattle Fire custom RTR workshop in 2005 showing several AZTEKs used for tandem AHD set up on Seattle Port Cranes. Assistant instructor, Keith Thorne, is in litter at age 15.
Tandem A frame and Gin pole from just one complete Arizona Vortex during 2008 Advanced Skills Rescue Workshop
Tandem A frame and Gin pole from just one complete Arizona Vortex during 2008 Advanced Skills Rescue Workshop. Japanese student and master Japanese Rope Instructor, Aki Uyama, shown in blue shirt.
A tandem A-Frame/Gin Pole extrication at Michigans CREST training center for the Artificial High Directional Workshop there in 2017.
See previous slide.
See previous 2 slides.
See previous 3 slides.
See previous slide.
See previous 2 slides.
See previous 3 slides.
Ropes That Rescue "Adopt-A-Highway" on Hwy 89A
RTR has been 'sponsoring' (Adopt-A-Highway) a two mile section of Arizona scenic highway 89-A in Oak Creek Canyon since 1993. This beautiful scenic section is just above Midgley Bridge and includes a spectacular vista of the red rock Mitten Ridge and famous Teapot Rock (just behind the right sign post).
This John William Waterhouse painting illustrates Alfred Tennyson's poem The Lady of Shalott. Draped over the boat is the fabric the lady wove in a tower near Camelot. But she brought a curse on herself by looking directly at Sir Lancelot. With her right hand she lets go of the chain mooring the boat. Her mouth is slightly open, as she sings 'her last song'. She stares at a crucifix lying in front of her. Beside it are three candles, often used to symbolize life. Two have blown out. This suggests her life will end soon, as she floats down the river.
The AZ Vortex was used here to build the first, so named, "Watson Wishbone" (WWB) frame during the October 2015 ASRW (Advanced Skills Rescue Workshop) at the Granite Dells' Watson Lake Dam. Here the WWB is used as a litter bypass station on a 100 meter highline with two carriages. RTR Instructor, and Reed Thorne were instructor.
The AZ Vortex was used here to build the first, so named, "Watson Wishbone" (WWB) frame during the October 2015 ASRW (Advanced Skills Rescue Workshop) at the Granite Dells' Watson Lake Dam. Here the WWB is used as a litter bypass station on a 100 meter highline with two carriages. RTR Instructor, and Reed Thorne were instructor.
The AZ Vortex was used here to build the first, so named, "Watson Wishbone" (WWB) frame during the October 2015 ASRW (Advanced Skills Rescue Workshop) at the Granite Dells' Watson Lake Dam. Here the WWB is used as a litter bypass station on a 100 meter highline with two carriages. RTR Instructor, and Reed Thorne were instructor.
Rigging the Watson Wishbone on the outside edge of the Watson Lake Dam
The AZ Vortex was used here to build the second, so named, "Watson Wishbone" (WWB) here set up in a parking lot near Otaru, north island of Japan (near Sapporo) RTR Instructor, Reed Thorne was instructor.
The AZ Vortex was used here to build the second, so named, "Watson Wishbone" (WWB) here set up in a parking lot near Otaru, north island of Japan (near Sapporo) RTR Instructor, Reed Thorne was instructor.
The AZ Vortex was used here to build the second, so named, "Watson Wishbone" (WWB) here set up in a parking lot near Otaru, north island of Japan (near Sapporo) RTR Instructor, Reed Thorne was instructor.
A Watson Wishbone Frame set up at Table Rock in Otaru, Japan
The AZ Vortex was used here to build the second, so named, "Watson Wishbone" (WWB) here set up in a parking lot near Otaru, north island of Japan (near Sapporo) RTR Instructor, Reed Thorne was instructor.
The AZ Vortex was used here to build the second, so named, "Watson Wishbone" (WWB) here set up in a parking lot near Otaru, north island of Japan (near Sapporo) RTR Instructor, Reed Thorne was instructor.
The AZ Vortex was used here to build the second, so named, "Watson Wishbone" (WWB) here set up in a parking lot near Otaru, north island of Japan (near Sapporo) RTR Instructor, Reed Thorne was instructor.
Combination A Frame and SA Frame on Doe Mountain in 2011 during AHDW (Artificial High Directional Workshop)
Combination A Frame and SA Frame 2. Hawaiian Shirt Day in the Granite Dells during AHDW (Artificial High Directional Workshop) in 2014
Students in the 2014 IRW (Industrial Rescue Workshop) use an unusual combination of a standard easel A frame hooked at the rear to a short gin pole which was used as main anchor for bringing the victim up the stairwell through a second SA frame inide the door at rear. Lots of guying in this evolution at Precott Valley Convention Center.
Close up of combo gin pole and guying.
Students in the 2014 IRW (Industrial Rescue Workshop) use an unusual combination of a standard easel A frame hooked at the rear to a short gin pole which was used as main anchor for bringing the victim up the stairwell through a second SA frame inide the door at rear. Lots of guying in this evolution at Precott Valley Convention Center.
View forward toward the edge where the litter and attendant will be lowered over the edge after coming up the stairwell.
Students in the 2014 IRW (Industrial Rescue Workshop) use an unusual combination of a standard easel A frame hooked at the rear to a short gin pole which was used as main anchor for bringing the victim up the stairwell through a second SA frame inide the door at rear. Lots of guying in this evolution at Precott Valley Event Center.
With an all Japanese "contingent" we built a small combo frame: A frame to the rear anchored front to back, and a side guyed SA frame to the sides. Notice the Skyhook® capstan winch on the rear leg ready for raising and lowering the load off the far right of photo.
Australian students in the 2014 Blue Mountains OHRW (Offset Highline Rescue Workshop) practice multiple frames at the park headquarters near Blackheath, New South Wales. Here, an A Frame/SA Frame clinical setup in a benign setting. Len Batley, Australian Senior RTR Instructor, and Reed Thorne were instructors.
Watson Frame upright and ready for luffing.
Japanese students working during custom 2014 advanced RTR program at the Watson Lake Dam. Here, we used three full Arizona Vortex kits (see three gin pole orange heads) to construct the very first "Watson Frame" (named after the dam) which is a luffing A frame/SA frame combination over the edge of the dam. See two students over the edge in/on litter. The third AZ Vortex kit was used at the far left beyond the hand railing to construct an elaborate A frame rigging pod where we mounted the multiple pulley systems used for the luffing and raising and lowering of the rescue package.
Watson Frame Luffed out with Japanese students.
Japanese students working during custom 2014 advanced RTR program at the Watson Lake Dam. Here, we used three full Arizona Vortex kits (see three gin pole orange heads) to construct the very first "Watson Frame" (named after the dam) which is a luffing A frame/SA frame combination over the edge of the dam. See two students over the edge in/on litter. The third AZ Vortex kit was used at the far left beyond the hand railing to construct an elaborate A frame rigging pod where we mounted the multiple pulley systems used for the luffing and raising and lowering of the rescue package.
Watson Frame Luffed out with Japanese students.
Japanese students working during custom 2014 advanced RTR program at the Watson Lake Dam. Here, we used three full Arizona Vortex kits (see three gin pole orange heads) to construct the very first "Watson Frame" (named after the dam) which is a luffing A frame/SA frame combination over the edge of the dam. See two students over the edge in/on litter. The third AZ Vortex kit was used at the far left beyond the hand railing to construct an elaborate A frame rigging pod where we mounted the multiple pulley systems used for the luffing and raising and lowering of the rescue package.
Special coupling made by Rock Exotica for using two AZ Vortex gine pole heads together. This allows the Watson Frame to articulate at the joint.
Aussie Frame with tilting cantilevered arm at Overlook in Oak Creek Canyon. RTR Assistant Instructor Keith Thorne on far right.
Creation of Paul Tracogna of Australia!
During the Artificial High Directional Workshop 2007, his was dubbed a "Delta Frame" which employed the use of two AZ Vortex blue A frame joiners. Not really a true V frame, this Delta Frame is rigid with a pole between the side. The Delta Frame was constructed on the top of famous Devil's Arch in Sedona, AZ.
See previous slide.
The litter hanging below the Devil's Arch on a Delta Frame.
See previous 2 slides.
See next 3 slides.
This combo frame was constructed during the 2011 AHDW (Artificial High Directional Workshop) in Sedona, Arizona. The A frame on the left is ready to be luffed out (called "active paradoxical luffing") over the edge with the easel A frame to the right as the anchor/high point.
See previous slide.
See previous 2 slides.
See previous 3 slides.
This combo frame was constructed during the 2011 AHDW (Artificial High Directional Workshop) in Sedona, Arizona. The A frame on the left is now luffed out (called "active guying") over the edge with the easel A frame to the right as the anchor/high point.
All Japanese custom rigging class in Oak Creek Canyon in 2012. Here the Japanese erected a paradoxical luffing A frame from the rear SA frame to left of RTR Assistant Instructor Keith Thorne in middle. The Skyhook® capstan winch is attached to the rear leg of the SA frame and operated with a cordless drill.
Photo taken from opposite side of gap.
See previous slide.
See previous 2 slides.
NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.
Australian students at the ASRW (Advanced Skills Rescue Workshop) in 2013 at Mount Arapiles, Victoria came up with the "Arapiles T Bar" for anchoring a quad trackline highline tensioning system using three Arizona Vortex kits and a Skyhook capstan winch. Here, students on four AZTEKs used to pretension the T Bar against opposition anchors.
Len Batley, Australian Senior RTR Instructor, and Reed Thorne were instructors.
NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.
Australian students at the ASRW (Advanced Skills Rescue Workshop) in 2013 at Mount Arapiles, Victoria came up with the "Arapiles T Bar" for anchoring a quad trackline highline tensioning system using three Arizona Vortex kits and a Skyhook capstan winch. Len Batley, Australian Senior RTR Instructor, and Reed Thorne were instructors.
Australian students at the ASRW (Advanced Skills Rescue Workshop) in 2013 at Mount Arapiles, Victoria came up with the "Arapiles T Bar" for anchoring a quad trackline highline tensioning system using three Arizona Vortex kits and a Skyhook capstan winch. Len Batley, Australian Senior RTR Instructor, and Reed Thorne were instructors.
Australian students at the ASRW (Advanced Skills Rescue Workshop) in 2013 at Mount Arapiles, Victoria came up with the "Arapiles T Bar" for anchoring a quad trackline highline tensioning system using three Arizona Vortex kits and a Skyhook capstan winch. Len Batley, Australian Senior RTR Instructor, and Reed Thorne were instructors.
Ropes That Rescue "Adopt-A-Highway" on Hwy 89A
RTR has been 'sponsoring' (Adopt-A-Highway) a two mile section of Arizona scenic highway 89-A in Oak Creek Canyon since 1993. This beautiful scenic section is just above Midgley Bridge and includes a spectacular vista of the red rock Mitten Ridge and famous Teapot Rock (just behind the right sign post).
This John William Waterhouse painting illustrates Alfred Tennyson's poem The Lady of Shalott. Draped over the boat is the fabric the lady wove in a tower near Camelot. But she brought a curse on herself by looking directly at Sir Lancelot. With her right hand she lets go of the chain mooring the boat. Her mouth is slightly open, as she sings 'her last song'. She stares at a crucifix lying in front of her. Beside it are three candles, often used to symbolize life. Two have blown out. This suggests her life will end soon, as she floats down the river.
A simple "Appalachian Doortex" setup at Sedona Fire Station 1.
Arizona "Doortex" with "Sedona Penetrator" at the Michigan OCC Emergency Training Center near Lansing, Michigan
Arizona Vortex Doortex with Sedona Penetrator at elevator shaft in Michigan fire training tower near Lansing. Here, the blue A frame joiner and the orange gin pole head of the AZ Vortex is facing backwards. In the next photo, it is facing the opposite way yielding more support for the Sedona Penetrator arm.
RTR Assistant Instructor Keith Thorne with Arizona "Doortex" with Sedona penetrator during Michigan AHDW (Artificial High Directional Workshop) in 2013.
Arizona "Doortex" with Sedona penetrator with Spanish windlass at the head using brake rack Here, the blue A frame joiner and the orange gin pole head of the AZ Vortex is facing forward. In the preceeding photo, it is facing the opposite way yielding less support for the Sedona Penetrator arm.
Jerome Fire (AZ) hosts the AHDW (Artificial High Directional Workshop) and the abandoned Jerome Hotel is available as a venue for the use by students in building different frames with the Arizona Vortex. Here the hotel dumb witer shaft is used for the AZ Vortex "Doortex" with the Skyhook® capstan winch and Sedona Penetrator arm inside the shaft. This Jerome venue is ideal because there is no worry to scatching the paint or damaging anything in training.
See previous slide.
See previous 2 slides.
See previous 3 slides.
The Los Alamos (New Mexico) Fire Department hosted a custom TSRW (Team Skills Rescue Workshop) RTR program in 2013. Keith and Reed Thorne were the instructors for this training. The Arizona Vortex was used extensively throughout the class and on one particular day, we visited the brand new Los Alamos Civic Center which had just been opened after construction. We had to be very careful with the many elevator shaft openings which were brand new.
The capstan winch is the "Classic" from Skyhook® used with the Makita power head.
See previous slide.
See previous 2 slides.
See previous 3 slides.
See previous 4 slides.
Ropes That Rescue "Adopt-A-Highway" on Hwy 89A
RTR has been 'sponsoring' (Adopt-A-Highway) a two mile section of Arizona scenic highway 89-A in Oak Creek Canyon since 1993. This beautiful scenic section is just above Midgley Bridge and includes a spectacular vista of the red rock Mitten Ridge and famous Teapot Rock (just behind the right sign post).
This John William Waterhouse painting illustrates Alfred Tennyson's poem The Lady of Shalott. Draped over the boat is the fabric the lady wove in a tower near Camelot. But she brought a curse on herself by looking directly at Sir Lancelot. With her right hand she lets go of the chain mooring the boat. Her mouth is slightly open, as she sings 'her last song'. She stares at a crucifix lying in front of her. Beside it are three candles, often used to symbolize life. Two have blown out. This suggests her life will end soon, as she floats down the river.
The AZORP which stands for "Arizona Omni Rigging Pod" was a creation of Reed Thorne.
An early focused floating anchor (with a single leg compression member) made from the old Wren Industries Version 1 Arizona Vortex gin pole "red head". Photo taken during TSRW (Team Skills Rescue Workshop) for the St. Louis County SAR team training near Duluth, MN in 2011.
This is the 2012 conceptual white board drawing by Reed Thorne in discussions with Rock Thompson of Rock Exotica concerning the AZORP. Originally called the "AZPOD" by Thorne, but later changed with input from Rock. Most of the creations start on the white board as a sketch like this. Rock loved the idea of making two parts to the AZORP each with no welds required. By making in two halves, each can be used separately unlike the old Wren "red head".
These are the 2012 drawing by Reed Thorne in discussions with Rock Thompson of Rock Exotica concerning the AZORP. Originally called the "AZPOD" by Thorne, but later changed with input from Rock. Rock loved the idea of making two parts to the AZORP each with no welds required. By making in two halves, each can be used separately unlike the old Wren "red head".
These are the 2012 drawing by Reed Thorne in discussions with Rock Thompson of Rock Exotica concerning the AZORP. Originally called the "AZPOD" by Thorne, but later changed with input from Rock. Rock loved the idea of making two parts to the AZORP each with no welds required. By making in two halves, each can be used separately unlike the old Wren "red head".
This is the very first AZORP prototype assembled with the Arizona Vortex gin pole head installed between the flanges. The oblong holes which allowed the AZORP to shift left or right during loading were decided against in the final version.
Second AZORP prototype by Rock Exotica used in RTR program by students. The first version had oblong holes which would accept up to three carabiners. This had advantages but several disadvantages as well. The second version (seen here) had only round holes which would accept one carabiner. This was finally settled for the final AZORP design by Rock/Reed.
Note the use of two Rock Exotica "BOLTS" as the bridging structure between the two AZORP flanges. The capstan winch is also seen on the single inner leg of this rigging pod.
This photo of a clean focused floating anchor using the second prototype AZORP with single AZ Vortex leg from the 2013 AHDW (Artificial High Directional Workshop) in Lansing, Michigan with RTR Lead Instructor Dave Van Holstyn, and Reed and Keith Thorne.
Another photo of a clean focused floating anchor using the second prototype AZORP with single AZ Vortex leg from the 2013 AHDW (Artificial High Directional Workshop) in Lansing, Michigan. Both flanges of the AZORP were used for this A frame luffing exercise.
The Inner AZORP head being used as a focused floating anchor in the 2014 OHRW (Offset Highline Rescue Workshop) in Jerome, Arizona.
Focused floating anchor with SA Frame in Prescott's Granite Dells for 2014 AHRW (Artificial High Directional Workshop)
Focused floating anchor with SA Frame in Prescott's Granite Dells for 2014 AHRW (Artificial High Directional Workshop)
Jerome Hotel Jamb Pole during the 2014 AHRW (Artificial High Directional Workshop). Students are securing the pole with backties and front ties to keep it in position for the 'Doortex' operation to left.
The Los Alamos NM Fire Dept during a contract Ropes That Rescue program using an AZORP inner flange on an Arizona Vortex leg secured on the base plate of one wall (left) and held to a door frame by the black piece of webbing jambed in the door and locked (right). Very strong anchor.
Top view of a rigging pod with Skyhook® capstan winch for raising during this Blue Mountains, Australia OHRW (Offset Highline Rescue Workshop) in 2014. The system is a two-tensioned rope system which requires at least three backties to left. Note use of AZ Vortex gin pole head to secure both AZORP flanges.
Side view of a gin pole during this Blue Mountains, Australia OHRW (Offset Highline Rescue Workshop) in 2014. The pole is perched on the tip of "Hanging Rock" where a two rope offset was being performed. The top flange of the AZORP was used for guying and the bottom flange was for the high directional anchorage. Note use of AZ Vortex gin pole head to secure both AZORP flanges.
Los Alamos Fire Department (New Mexico) Technica Rescue Team practice a guyed only SA Frame and AZORP rigging pod at rear during Ropes That Rescue TSRW (Team Skills Rescue Workshop) in 2013. Reed and Keith Thorne teaching.
A jamb pole constructed from the AZORP prototype and AZ Vortex legs across a 100' gap at the Mohonk Preserve in New York duing MRW (Mountain Rescue Workshop) in 2013. Climbing ranger, Andrew Bajardi is the attendant on this project. This "Gunks" program is ongoing each year at this venue.
Japanese Students use a small rigging pod with AZORP and mount the Skyhook Winch on the pole below for operation on Doe Mountain in 2012.
Ropes That Rescue "Adopt-A-Highway" on Hwy 89A
RTR has been 'sponsoring' (Adopt-A-Highway) a two mile section of Arizona scenic highway 89-A in Oak Creek Canyon since 1993. This beautiful scenic section is just above Midgley Bridge and includes a spectacular vista of the red rock Mitten Ridge and famous Teapot Rock (just behind the right sign post).
This John William Waterhouse painting illustrates Alfred Tennyson's poem The Lady of Shalott. Draped over the boat is the fabric the lady wove in a tower near Camelot. But she brought a curse on herself by looking directly at Sir Lancelot. With her right hand she lets go of the chain mooring the boat. Her mouth is slightly open, as she sings 'her last song'. She stares at a crucifix lying in front of her. Beside it are three candles, often used to symbolize life. Two have blown out. This suggests her life will end soon, as she floats down the river.
An Arizona Vortex SA Frame Skyhook® winch stand lashed to a tree at the rear (and butted up against a rock) and side guyed with rope at the front end. Note the AZTEk as the main anchor and not the lashing. This was during the 2012 AHDW (Artificial High Directional Workshop) in Oak Creek Canyon.
An Arizona Vortex SA Frame Skyhook® capstan winch stand lashed to a tree at the rear and side guyed with rope at the front end. The lashing and side guys are the main anchor for this stand. This was during the 2010 AHDW (Artificial High Directional Workshop) in Oak Creek Canyon.
An Arizona Vortex Easel A Frame winch stand lashed to a tree at the rear and anchored with the AZTEk as the main anchor and not the lashing. This was during the 2012 AHDW (Artificial High Directional Workshop) in Oak Creek Canyon. The winch is the "Classic" capstan winch from Skyhook®.
An Arizona Vortex Easel A Frame winch stand lashed to a tree at the rear and anchored with the AZTEk as the main anchor and not the lashing. This was during the 2012 AHDW (Artificial High Directional Workshop) in Oak Creek Canyon. The winch is the "Classic" capstan winch from Skyhook®. This photo appears on the Skyhook® main web site from an RTR program.
Skyhook® Capstan Winch stand from easel A frame mounted on the rear of a fire utility vehicle. This was used during the STRW (Structural Tower Rescue Workshop) in Sedona in 2014 at Sedona Fire District.
Skyhook® Capstan Winch Square Trailer Hitch Adaptor only available from Skyhook®. A very nice idea! This was used during the STRW (Structural Tower Rescue Workshop) in Sedona in 2014 at Sedona Fire District.
Skyhook® capstan winch stand from easel A frame mounted on the rear of a fire utility vehicle. This was used during the STRW (Structural Tower Rescue Workshop) in Sedona in 2014 at Sedona Fire District.
Arizona Vortex Leg Bumper Mount made by Skyhook® only.
AZ Vortex Leg Bumper Mount made by Skyhook® only.
Skyhook® capstan winch stand from easel A frame mounted on the rear of a pickup truck at WAPA yard. This was used during the STRW (Structural Tower Rescue Workshop) in 2012 at Roseville, California.
Skyhook® capstan winch stand from easel A frame mounted on the rear of a pickup truck at WAPA yard. Note main anchor from AZTEK. This was used during the STRW (Structural Tower Rescue Workshop) in 2012 at Roseville, California.
Students used the two orange gin pole heads of two Arizona Vortex kits to construct this small SA frame Skyhook® winch stand for the MRW (Mountain Rescue Workshop) in Prescott's Granite Dells in 2014.
Skyhook® capstan winch stand from easel A frame mounted on the rear of a pickup truck. This was used during the STRW (Structural Tower Rescue Workshop) in 2014 at Jerome Fire.
Skyhook® "Trail Tech" winch has two arms on either side like a bicycle. This is the lightweight version for mountain and backcountry rescue teams. It cannot be used with power equipment like the "Classic" style winch seen in other RTR programs.
Skyhook® "Trail Tech" winch has two arms on either side like a bicycle. This is the lightweight version for mountain and backcountry rescue teams. It cannot be used with power equipment like the "Classic" style winch seen in other RTR programs.
A Vortex capstan winching stand using the Skyhook® winch used during the Offset Highline Rescue Workshop in Auburn, CA. This is attached to the bumper of RTR Instructor, Greg Powell's Dodge 4x4 at the old abandoned Cool Rock Quarry.
See previous slide.
See previous 2 slides.
See previous 3 slides.
The Arizona Vortex 'Doortex' used with Skyhook® capstan winch in Los Alamos, New Mexico during custom RTR program there in 2013. This was a custom 7 day long RTR program for Los Alamos Fire.
Ropes That Rescue "Adopt-A-Highway" on Hwy 89A
RTR has been 'sponsoring' (Adopt-A-Highway) a two mile section of Arizona scenic highway 89-A in Oak Creek Canyon since 1993. This beautiful scenic section is just above Midgley Bridge and includes a spectacular vista of the red rock Mitten Ridge and famous Teapot Rock (just behind the right sign post).
This John William Waterhouse painting illustrates Alfred Tennyson's poem The Lady of Shalott. Draped over the boat is the fabric the lady wove in a tower near Camelot. But she brought a curse on herself by looking directly at Sir Lancelot. With her right hand she lets go of the chain mooring the boat. Her mouth is slightly open, as she sings 'her last song'. She stares at a crucifix lying in front of her. Beside it are three candles, often used to symbolize life. Two have blown out. This suggests her life will end soon, as she floats down the river.
