SRT Harness for a Child · AditNow Community

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Mr Mike
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

9 years ago

I want to give my daughter a go at SRT and to do some shafts underground. She is 6.5 years old. Having had a look in Go Outdoors yesterday, I saw 2 harness - but for climbing only. One was a full one and the other a sit. I think a full one would be needed as kids don't have any hips to stop them from sliding out if inverted.

I've come across a Nino kid harness by MTDE, which is specific for caving with a low attachment, but all the others are climbing ones. This is around £80 v £22 for the full climbing one.

Has anyone been through this and what did they end up using?

Mr Mike www.mineexplorer.org.uk

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Jimbo
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

9 years ago

Mike it might be worth asking what the centres use, could give Go-Below (Miles) a ring to see what they use. I have a small climbing type sit harness for my kids (10 to 16 in age) but they only climb whilst top roped so not much chance of them slipping out. A decent kids chest harness should prevent her slipping out if inverted though! :)

Jim

"PDHMS, WMRG, DCC, Welsh Mines Society, Northern Mines Research Group, Nenthead Mines Society and General Forum Gobshite!"

Mr Mike
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

9 years ago

Good idea about Gobelow, will ask Miles. I did just speak with Bernies and they suggested to try to see if one of the really small caving harness would adjust down to her size and then add a chest harness.

I suppose it boils down to if I just want to lower her down shafts or get her to try SRT as well, but realistically is someone her age going to even be able to physically SRT up say 10m even?

Mr Mike www.mineexplorer.org.uk

Pete K
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

9 years ago

GoBelow uses Petzl centre style sit harnesses and very occasionally Petzl Ouistiti full body harnesses for really small ones. These are not for SRT, just cowstailing and being lowered.

Any climbing harness could be set up for SRT if you are not worried about getting maximum efficiency. Early on you need to focus on comfort and support for enjoyment. Combining a climber's sit harness with a chest harness will do it or alternatively, look at one of the MTDE Club SRT harness. It will shrink to fit tiny people and continue to adjust outwards as they grow.
https://starlessriver.com/shop/harnesses_belts/mtde_club_sit_harness
There is no reason why you can't start teaching SRT early.

Not seen the sun for months. Now evolving to see in the dark.

Pete K
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

9 years ago

A half loaded Stop on new 9mm might run but I'd be more inclined to get them to use a Figure of 8 descender and be lifelining them. Nothing more off-putting than sitting static on a rope and being too light to go down. Convert to a Stop or Simple once they have a bit more weight behind them.

Not seen the sun for months. Now evolving to see in the dark.

Mr Mike
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

9 years ago

Thanks for the ideas.

Mr Mike www.mineexplorer.org.uk