“Toproping” is rock climbing with the rope anchored at the top of the climb, as opposed to “lead” climbing, where a climber places protection as he or she goes. Having a top anchor lessens the
potential distance of a fall and creates a more controlled situation in which to hone your climbing technique. Toproping is at the heart of learning to climb, and being able to safely set up and manage toprope situations is a critical component in the development of any climber. While it seems simple on the surface, topropes must be rigged and configured properly in accordance with sound safety principles—and that’s where this book comes in.