Rescue - Petzl

PETZL YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW
1956
Fernand Petzl, -1122 m
Berger Cavern (France)
1968
The first rope ascenders and
descenders (BASIC, SIMPLE) are
brought to market.
1977
The first Petzl harnesses are
produced.
1981
The ZOOM headlamp is introduced.
1986
The test tower is established.
1991
The GRIGRI, the first self-braking belay
device, is invented.
2000
The TIKKA, the first compact LED
headlamp, is launched.
2002
The QUARK ERGO, the first leashless
ice axe with angled grip, gives new
freedom to ice climbing techniques.
2006
Petzl Foundation is created.
2008
V.axess, Petzl's training and
experimentation center, is created.
2011
Paul Petzl receives the trophy for
"Outdoor Celebrity 2011".
4
Contents
Fernand Petzl, the story of a pioneer
In the early 1930s, Fernand Petzl
discovered caving at the age of
seventeen. A mechanic by trade,
he quickly began envisioning
new techniques for caving, which
was still a rudimentary discipline
at the time. In his workshop after
work, he began hand-producing
products and systems for himself
and his caving friends. His
goal: to conquer, on the following
Sunday,underground obstacles in
previously inaccessible galleries.
He invented and perfected new and innovative products in the 1940s
with his friend, Pierre Chevalier. Their collaboration was a turning point.
Together they explored the initial seventeen kilometers of underground
galleries of the Dent de Crolles and established a new world record
for exploration below 600 meters. Significantly, they perfected new
techniques for progression by pioneering the use of nylon ropes instead
of the fixed ladders that were in use at the time.
In the 1950s, Fernand Petzl led an international expedition to the Berger
Cavern in the Vercors region of France. A new record of -1122 meters
was set and Fernand Petzl became part of the history and the legend of
caving. This did not prevent him from continuing to improve the ascender,
then the descender in the ‘70s, eventually allowing ropes to completely
replace ladders. These innovations would soon find their place in sport,
rescue and later in industry and construction.
In 1968, Fernand Petzl mass production of his ascenders in his own
workshop. Then in 1970, with his sons Pierre and Paul, he expanded
his production to include mountaineering gear as well. After inventing
lighting for caving, the team created the first headlamp designed for
mountaineers. This was the beginning of the adventure for the Petzl
brand.