I began caving in 1961 at the age of 13 with an Illinois Explorer Post.  In 1968, I began vertical caving with half-inch manila rope, two Hieblers, and a book of directions.  Through contacts in the vertical world, information was acquired, and I became a vertically Bruceknowledgeable person. 

Experience and a lot of research helped gain me the recognition of being the first editor of Nylon Highway, the publication of the NSS Vertical Section.  I have been active with the Vertical Section since its beginnings.

I consider myself a generalist, able to review and analyze all different techniques and vertical designs.  To further my generalist aims, I make it a practice to try out new devices and techniques as they are developed.  My goals focus on becoming the artistic technician focused on being precise about technology, techniques, and methods.  I am then able to speak and publish reliable, usable vertical information so all can enjoy the aspects
of safe vertical work.

All my life I haBruce_Rescueve dedicated myself to the mastery of Single Rope Techniques. Always
  pursuing and constantly questioning theories,
  methods, ideas, and suggestions. Through it all there
  has been, for me, a frustration. That being, "I could
  never get my gear to do what it should do or what
  I wanted it to do." Most of all, I wanted comfort while I
  climbed and rappelled. After all, would a runner run in
  uncomfortable shoes?

  Fortunately, I have unlocked the comfort secrets and
  would like to offer them to you. Realizing that climbers
  should not be forced to climb in uncomfortable, painful
  gear, On Rope 1 is dedicated to providing custom
  equipment that is top of the comfort and quality line.
  On Rope 1 provides the finest and most trusted SRT
  systems you'll find anywhere.

  Bruce Smith