How Does Rappelling Work?

Rappelling is a part of mountaineering or rock climbing where a person is able to descend a rock face or overhang quickly. While rappelling is a quick and convenient way to get down from heights, it is also dangerous and should be approached with caution. Rappelling must be done carefully, and those participating should know a variety of techniques, including the ability to add friction, back-ups and ways to extend the rappel device.

  1. Select a Point

    • Selecting a rappel point is one of the most important steps in rappelling. A person must choose a point based on several factors, including mission, cover, route, anchor points and the composition of the edge -- if the rock is loose or jagged. There must be good anchors, both primary and secondary, available when choosing a rappel point. It is important to ensure the anchor point is above the rappeller's departure point.

    Install Rappel Point

    • When installing a rappel point, a person must ensure that the rappel lane has equal tension between all anchor points. It is important to ensure that a rappel will not extend if one of the anchor points falls. The rappel point can be installed in a variety of ways, depending on the length of the rappel and how many ropes are available. Typically, rappel points are installed using three-loop bowlines and overhand knots around the anchors.

    Operate Rappel Point

    • Typically two people will operate a rappel point. One person is the rappel point commander, also known as the belayer, while the other person rappels down the mountain. There are several commands both parties must know before descent. These include the phrases "on rappel," "on belay," "off rappel" and "off belay." If commands cannot be communicated, there are ways to tug on the rope to communicate between the two parties.

    Recover Rappel Point

    • The final step is for the belayer to recover the rappel point. This is done by establishing a retrievable rappel. The rappel rope should be placed around the primary anchor point, and then thrown over the edge of the cliff. The rappeller at the bottom will take the necessary steps to ensure the rope is picked up, while the belayer uses several types of knots to safely undo the anchor points.