Round Lashing: Extend the Flagpole

In pairs, students join two overlapping poles with two round lashings to build a long flagpole. It's simple, useful ropework for putting up signs or tarps at camp.

How to play

1. Review the clove hitch on a pole, since it starts and finishes the lashing (4 min).
2. Demo: poles overlapped by a third, clove hitch around both, eight to ten tight wraps around both poles, and finish with another clove hitch; make two separate lashings (4 min).
3. First pole in pairs, with a pinnie tied at the top as a flag (8 min).
4. Test: three students raise the pole upright and check it doesn't bend or twist at the lashings (6 min).
5. Groups of six: join three poles, compare stiffness with the two-pole version, and take everything down neatly (8 min).

Rules

• Raise and lower the pole slowly, with a warning, and with several people.
• No running with poles or the flagpole.
• Work on the ground until the lashings are finished.
• When taking down, coil each cord and hand it in.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: tie the lashings on a table or bench and supervise the upright test.
• Low vision: a brightly colored cord and counting wraps out loud.
• Hesitant students: start by holding the poles while the partner wraps, then switch.

Learning goals

• Tie a firm round lashing.
• Use the clove hitch to start and finish.
• Build a simple, safe structure as a group.

Equipment for a class of 25

• wooden poles: 20
• long cords: 20
• pinnies: 10

Teacher tip

3–4 m of cord per lashing is enough. Common mistake: loose or spaced-out wraps; insist each wrap sits tight against the last one.

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