How To Rappel Safely

Counter

Warning: Rappelling is an inherently dangerous sport and this web page is not a substitute for a qualified instructor.  The vast majority of injuries classified as climbing-related take place while the climber is rappelling

 

Rappelling, or Abseiling, is the technique used by climbers to descend a given distance by sliding down a rope in a controlled manner.

Rappelling is an exhilarating way to spend the day and after the initial cost of all the equipment, it is absolutely free!

 

 

What you will need (the bare minimum):

A climbing/rappelling harness (a Swiss seat can be used, but is not recommended)

Enough climbing rope to span the distance you want to rappel plus at least 20 feet (100 feet or more is recommended)

A rappelling device (A figure eight)

3 locking carabiners

3 8-10 foot strips of 1-inch wide, tubular webbing

A pair of heavy, leather gloves to protect your hands from the heat generated by friction

A helmet if there is any potential for rocks falling from above

   All of this equipment should be available at any store that carries climbing gear.  Unfortunately, it's a little expensive.

 

Step 1: How to attach an anchor:

Tie your webbing into loops using a water knot

Find a place to rappel from (trees, bridges, and buildings work well; if it's public property, check with your city on the legality of it)

Check your tie-on point to make sure that it is sturdy

Loop your strips of webbing over or around the anchor point one at a time and pull the loose ends through

 

 

While holding the three loops together, attach both carabiners

 

 

Attach your rope using either a double figure eight knot, or a bowline knot (I prefer the figure eight)

 

 

Lock both carabiners

 

Step 2: Tying onto the rope:

Attach your figure eight device to the rope

 

 

 

Lock the figure eight onto your carabiner

 

 

Put on your gloves

 

Step 3: Rappelling:

Hold the rope below the figure eight with your right hand

Hold the rope above the figure eight with your left hand

Bring your right hand to your right hip

 

 

Ease your weight into the harness while holding the rope tightly with your right hand

If you are rappelling against a wall of some sort, be sure both feet are flat against the vertical surface so that you are in an almost sitting position.  Walk yourself down, or rappel down in a series of small jumps away from the vertical surface.

Loosen your grip and allow the rope to slide through your hand in order to begin your descent

The more you loosen your grip, the faster you will go

To stop your descent, grip tightly with your right hand

Be sure to slow your descent gradually before you stop!  Sudden stops damage equipment!

Be careful not to go too fast, and to let your figure eight cool between rappels.  It only takes some 340 degrees to melt a rope, and that heat can be generated by the friction of the rope rubbing against the figure eight.

Once you reach the ground, unlock your carabiner and remove the figure eight

 

Before Each Rappel, be Sure to:

Check all of your equipment for any wear, especially your rope (look and feel for holes in the casing, soft spots in the rope, fraying; if you use your rope often, retire it after one year, never keep using a rope for more than five years).  If any piece of equipment is worn, don't use it!

Check that all of your carabiners are locked

Double check all of your equipment to make sure it is attached correctly

Triple check all of your equipment to make sure it is attached correctly

Remember, you must trust your life to your system!  Make sure you are doing it safely!

 

 

Animated Instruction on Knot-Tying From the 42nd Brighton Scout Group of East Sussex, UK

An Excellent Page on Rope Maintenance From The Outdoor Industry Association
Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1