Knot To Worry – Outside Scoop

Youth Odyssey is over halfway through summer, and we have learned some cool things! In this post, I am going to talk about a few fun knots the kids have learned during the summer. You will also get to see some of the youth leader’s smiling faces while they were tying the knots. Many of these knots are very useful in a variety of different situations. They can be used for boating, camping, and even rock climbing.

Knots: Youth Learning how to tie Bowline on a Bight
Knots: Picture of a Reef Knot

Rope Joining Knots

The First knot we talked about is the Square Knot or Reef Knot. This knot involves tying each end of a rope to itself, around an object, or another rope. Typically this knot is used with rope of the same diameter or size. Another use for this knot, if one of our kids ever forgets a belt on trip, knot to worry, we can use this knot with some simple para-cord or rope to make a belt! In summary this knot is fairly versatile. Although, the best knots is the one you get to work!     

The Second knot we talked about is the Sheet Bend Knot. This knot is excellent for tying two pieces of rope together much like the Reef Knot. One difference is this knot is best when used with different rope diameters and sizes. This was really handy when we were putting up our shelters on our Canoe, Living Local, and Backpacking Camps because some of our rope was not long enough to get from tree to tree.

Knots: Picture of a Sheet Bend Knot

Rock Climbing Knots

The Third knot and most important knot used at our ropes course is the Bowline on a Bight. This knot, unlike the figure 8, creates two secured loops. The two loops help give the knot more rigidity and shear reduction as it is hooked into a carabiner. Participants who are going through a high ropes obstacle at our ropes course are hooked into this knot with a carabiner. We also encourage our Youth Leaders to master this knot in the event they are needed at the ropes course. Any extra knots they learn are a bonus!

Knots: Picture of Bowline on a Bight
Knots: Picture of a Figure 8 Knot

The Fourth knot we talked about is the Figure 8. The Figure 8 can be achieved in a few ways. The most common Figure 8’s knots are (1) Figure 8 on a Bight (2) Figure 8 Follow-Through.

The Figure 8 on a Bight is used with a carabiner. The term “Bight” is when you curve a piece of rope in a “U” shape. Note: You must have the proper equipment & rope to climb. After we made the knots we began to check the knots, and we wanted to notice our knots to develop a 2,2,2 pattern. Since we saw this, our knots were accomplished and ready. Once the knots were checked and completed, we could insert our carabiner through the loop, and we would be all set-up for climbing!

The Figure 8 Follow-Through is used when there is not a carabiner accessible. This knot can be tied through the belay loop on a harness. The drawback is the knot has to be undone each time to connect a new climber. This is why carabiners are typically used along with the Figure 8 on a Bight. The Figure 8 on a Bight & the Figure 8 Follow-Through knots will have the same look and result once finished.

Knots: Youth Leader showing his Figure 8 Knot
Knots: Picture of a Taut Line Hitch

Hitch Knots

The Fifth knot we talked about is the Taut Line Hitch. This hitch is easy and fantastic to use for many situations. You can use this knot to tie up your boat and among other things. We used this one to tie up our tarp shelters and clothes lines on our camping trips!

Hitch knots gives us the ability to tighten down or loosen rope quickly, but it also holds objects securely. Hitch knots are great when you need to tie a boat up.

The Sixth knot we talked about is the Round Turn with Two Half Hitches. This knot is very useful in the same ways as the Taut Line Hitch. It is simple to make and use as well. As mentioned before, hitch knots are useful when you need to tie up your boat, make a clothes line, or to simply tie up anything.

Knots: Youth Leader showing his Round Turn with Two Half Hitches
Knots: Picture of Thief Knot

The Seventh knot I will be talking about is a knot we call the Highwayman’s Knot. This is a kid favorite among knots because it is easy, and fun! The Highwayman’s knot has been said to be used back in the western times for riders to escape on or retrieve their horses quickly. I would knot recommend using this knot to tie up a very expensive asset such as a boat, but it could be done.

Load Bearing Knots

The Last knot we talked about is the Butterfly Knot. We use this all the time at our ropes course. At the ropes course we often times lower or raise equipment using this knot, and the retriever is able to efficiently obtain all the equipment they need quickly. A great feature about this knot, once you are done with it you can undo it in seconds. Another great feature about this knot is you can use this as a stopper knot. Stopper knots are essentially backup knots.

Knots: Picture of Butterfly Knot
Knots: Picture of Youth having fun

Practice makes Perfect!

The kids really loved learning the knots, and I think with a bit more practice they will be masters! We love teaching the kids these useful little tools in our programs because it can help them in a variety of situations, and they can show off what they have learned to their friends and family!