Types of Rappelling

Anyone who has made a plan to climb a mountain has mapped the way down as well. Rappelling is the descent from any higher place utilizing a rope and special equipment. What started as a safety back-up in rock and mountain climbing has grown into a sport in its own right.

  1. Description

    • Rappelling, also called abseiling from German "abseilen" meaning "to rope down," utilizes special equipment to allow safe and controlled descent over a rope. There can be a person at the top or bottom of the rope securing it in the event the person on rappel slipped or let go; this action is known as belaying and the person overseeing the descent is "on belay." There are methods of self-belay as well, but the most common type of rappelling involves two people, one climbing and one on belay. While military and industrial people have used this for years, rappelling is gaining popularity as a recreational sport.

    Types

    • The standard rappel occurs when the rappeller lowers himself backwards off the ledge (cliff, building or other tall object) descending towards the ground with his face upwards and back towards the ground. Americans calls forward-facing descent an Australian rappel; however, abroad it is more commonly referred to as Geneva--style abseiling. The rappeller in this style would lower herself towards the ground face first with the ledge at her back. This type of rappel is much more dangerous than the standard backwards rappel.

    Equipment

    • Static rope, which is rope with a limited amount of stretch, needs to be multiple-strand and able to endure abrasion. A harness designed specifically for rappelling is more comfortable, but rock-climbing harnesses will work as well. A rappelling device, or descender, allows for safe and controlled lowering by the rappeller. The descender connects to a locking carabiner. Gloves aid in protecting the hands from rope burn, and improve a rappeller's grip on the rope. Additional safety gear includes a helmet and boots.

    Uses

    • Fire and rescue personnel, military personnel and police officers have used rappelling for some time to assist others out of difficult situations. Window cleaners often use a type of rappel to lower themselves to more difficult-to-reach areas. Cayoneering, mountaineering, spelunking and climbing all use some measure of rappelling.

    Caution

    • Rappelling is safe when done correctly and with the proper equipment. Attempting this sport without any instruction is asking for injury. Most rappellers have learned by starting on small hills to get the basics down before moving to higher points of descent. The risks increase greatly when attempting Geneva, or Australian, style. Please seek professional guidance before attempting this sort of rappelling.