Vertical caving terminology and methods > SRT basic terms
Where two cavers prusik on the same hang at the same time, one above the other. The upper caver has an easier time, thanks to the bottom weighting effect of the caver below them, but may have more difficulty getting off the rope at the top. Rub points are far harder to avoid, and deviations are almost impossible. The lower caver is more at risk of the upper caver dislodging rocks, so needs to remain fairly close to the upper caver, in order to reduce the distance that any rocks will have fallen. The slower caver will need to be placed second, in order to ensure that they do not obstruct a faster caver. Both cavers can cause odd bouncing and swinging effects that cause issues for each other, due to the rhythm of their movements. These can be dramatically amplified if both cavers have the same rhythm, so it helps if the two cavers keep their movements out of step with each other, or take it in turns to move while the other rests. The stress on the rope is at least doubled, but can become worse if both cavers share the same rhythm.
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