1 in Whoopie Sling

A whoopie sling is an adjustable rigging sling that you can size to the stem in seconds, and this 1 in version is built for heavier wood. It sets a rigging point or holds a block where a fixed-length sling would be too long or too short.

How a whoopie sling works

A whoopie sling is a length of hollow-braid rope with a fixed eye at one end and an adjustable eye made by burying the rope inside itself. Pull the tail and the adjustable eye shrinks; pull the eye and it grows. Once it takes load, the bury grips and holds its length.

That adjustability is the point. One whoopie can wrap a small spar or a big stem, so you can set a block at the height you want without tying knots or carrying several fixed slings. Compare other adjustable slings if you need a lighter size.

Sizing and inspection

Match the sling's rated strength to the block, the rigging line, and the loads you plan to catch. The 1 in size is for heavy rigging, not light pruning. Keep the adjustable section tensioned before loading so it doesn't slip as it seats.

Rig only within the rated strength of every component in the system, inspect gear before each job, and make sure the crew is trained in rigging practice under ANSI Z133 and the manufacturer's instructions. Retire a sling that shows cut strands, heavy fuzzing, glazing, or a deformed bury.

Store whoopie slings out of the sun and away from fuel and bar oil, and loosen the adjustable eye between jobs so the bury does not take a permanent set.