1. What is Rappelling?
Rappelling originated from the descent protection techniques used in alpine expeditions, and is also commonly employed in rescue operations, transportation, and military raids. It has since evolved into an extreme outdoor sport similar to rock climbing and bungee jumping.
2. Types of Rappelling
It has now branched into categories such as cliff rappelling, building rappelling, bridge rappelling, and stream rappelling. Rappelling is performed under the guidance and protection of an instructor, using the natural elevation drop of a scenic spot. Participants descend from the top of a cliff face with the help of a rope, controlling their own speed and landing point to reach the ground. While it does not require highly specialized skills, participants must overcome their fear of heights and speed, and possess the determination to press forward and persevere until the end.
3. Basic Techniques of Rappelling
With your right hand positioned behind your right hip and gripping the rope tightly, you can stop your descent. Relaxing your right hand will allow you to descend at a constant speed under gravity. Keep your upper body upright, with your legs straight or slightly bent and pressing against the cliff face. Move down step by step, ensuring that no part of your body other than your feet comes into close contact with the cliff.
4. Basic Equipment for Rappelling
Includes safety helmet, harness, carabiner, figure-eight descender, static rope, gloves, etc.
Safety Helmet: Just like in rock climbing and other outdoor sports, a helmet is an essential piece of safety gear. A small falling rock during descent could cause serious, even fatal, head injuries.
Harness: For rappelling, a sit harness is used, consisting of a waist belt and leg loops that secure around the thighs. When putting it on, make sure to adjust the tightness properly, otherwise it may become very uncomfortable during long descents. Also, remember to tie a safety knot when fastening the harness—thread the strap back through in the opposite direction after tying to prevent it from coming undone.
Carabiner: Commonly referred to as a “big D,” this piece of equipment is extremely sturdy and typically able to withstand forces of up to 30 kilonewtons and impacts of 10 kilonewtons. Its main function is to connect components such as slings and static ropes, often linking to a figure-eight descender to cushion the force of a fall. When securing a carabiner, make sure to tighten it fully by screwing it all the way, then loosen it half a turn in the opposite direction. This makes it easier to open the carabiner later and prevents it from locking permanently under pressure.
Figure-Eight Descender: The most commonly used rappelling device, it increases friction and controls descent speed by allowing the rope to weave through its figure-eight shape, creating multiple contact points. Always handle the figure-eight descender gently when feeding or retrieving the rope. If any cracks appear on the device—even very small ones—stop using it immediately.
Static Rope: Ropes mainly come in two types: dynamic and static. Static ropes have almost zero stretch and cannot absorb impact through elasticity. They are generally used as fixed ropes, commonly in caving and canyoning. They are rarely used for climbing, especially not as a belay rope. Dynamic ropes can stretch to absorb the impact of a fall, making them ideal for belaying* and essential in activities where there's potential for a dynamic fall, such as rock climbing, mountaineering, and bungee jumping. Static ropes are usually white, or if colored, are a single solid color; dynamic ropes are often brightly colored and patterned. Static ropes are used in rappelling.
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