Behind The Scenes at the 2020 Petzl RopeTrip US & Canada Series

Every two years, the Petzl RopeTrip brings together leading professionals, who work on ropes or at-height within any industry, for an event that displays best practices, cutting-edge technique and industry camaraderie through friendly competition and educational seminars. The unique and exciting challenges are planned thoughtfully and carefully to mimic real-world challenges that will require experience, skills and forethought. Without the teams deliberation and dedication, the 2020 Petzl RopeTrip would not be a success. 

KEITH LUSCINSKI 
Technical Institute Manager

What are you most looking forward to with RT 2020? 

After months of focusing on specific competition elements, I love seeing the unique methods that technicians employ to solve complex problems. It emphasizes how important ingenuity is for rope access technicians.

What is the most exciting part of RT? 

As the head rigger for RopeTrip, I'm always most excited to invent new on-rope challenges that test the true competence of a rope access technician.  It's rarely about speed; we're always brainstorming new ways to challenge technicians' work practices, efficiency and communication.

What has been the most challenging part of planning the 2020 RopeTrip?

The most challenging part of planning for RopeTrip is developing novel competition elements that don't rely solely on speed as an evaluation metric.  It's easy to fall back on saying, "fastest person wins,” but pure speed is rarely the defining characteristic of good rope access technicians. Instead, we spend hours devising elements that focus on work quality and safety.

Why is RT an important event for US and Canadians who work on rope? 

The Symposium is the only hands-on event in North America that allows technicians from all fields and companies to come together in one place and work with novel techniques, rigging and systems.

One piece of advice for teams? 

We're looking to incorporate more job safety planning into this year's events, as well as more outside-the-box techniques and environments.

EDDIE STEVENS
Technical Info Manager Assistant and PTI Technician

What are you most looking forward to with RT 2020? 

I am looking forward to seeing high-level teams come up with solutions to all of the scenarios that we have been brainstorming.  

What is the most exciting part of RT? 

The most exciting part will be the element that I am planning, but I think that is supposed to be a secret!

How will this years’ RT differ from 2018?

New elements, new products and more surprises. 

Why is RT an important event for US and Canadians who work on rope? 

First and foremost the event is fun. It is a great chance for at-height professionals to gather, network and enjoy the competition. It is also a venue for the sharing of ideas and techniques that may vary by region or industry.  

One piece of advice for teams? 

Bring winter clothing!

NATE WILLIAMS
PTI Trainer

What are you most looking forward to with RT 2020? 

Bringing so many industry professionals together in one spot to learn from each other, grow safety and improve industry standards and best practices.

What is the most exciting part of RT? 

Taking traditional rope access work tasks and turning them into a fun and exciting competition which allows each team and competitor to come up with their own solutions to complete the task given to them.

What has been the most challenging part of planning the 2020 RopeTrip?

Coming up with elements that simulate real world tasks while keeping it fun, engaging and challenging to the team and individual competitors. 

Why is RT an important event for US and Canadians who work on rope? 

RT is the one unique place that brings industry professionals together to learn from each other, network and engage in friendly competition which in turn advances the skills and practices of rope access professionals.

One piece of advice for teams? 

Bring some warm clothes! 

PETER TAYLOR
PTI Coordinator

What are you most looking forward to with RT 2020? 

I'm most looking forward to seeing some familiar faces.  This competition really brings the best out in folks.

What is the most exciting part of RT? 

The challenges! They're fun to plan but the real excitement comes in watching participants try to work through all the unique scenarios.

Why is RT an important event for US and Canadians who work on rope?  

It's great because challenge participants get to demonstrate their extraordinary skill sets in a fun and competitive environment.

One piece of advice for teams?  

Be prepared to think outside the box.

What has been the most challenging part of planning the 2020 RopeTrip?  

We've got some really creative challenges this year. Working with the team to make those a reality has really thrown us some curveballs. We do hope you enjoy! 

To learn more about the 2020 Petzl RopeTrip US & Canada Series, click here. 

Registration is open until Friday, January 17th to compete as a team/individual or to attend the event as a spectator. Click here to register!