WHAT IS RAPPELLING? DISCOVER HOW TO START RAPPEL!

Do you like extreme sports like bungee jumping? Then get your backpack ready because after knowing what Rappel is, you are going to want to try it! In today’s post, we are going to explain everything about this extreme sport, ready?

What is rappelling?

The dictionary defines rappelling as the act of sliding down a rope under controlled conditions to make a safe descent from a cliff or other steep surface. The term originates from the French word “rappeler”, which means “to bring back to oneself”.

Rappelling can be a hazardous activity and is best not done without experience or the necessary guidance by trained climbers or climbing instructors. 

It’s a climbing technique used by rock climbers, ice climbers, Koofers, cannoneers, and mountaineers to descend steep cliffs or even man-made objects, such as buildings or bridges, safely and efficiently. It’s a very common practice among mountaineers and adventure athletes around the world, providing a fast and safe way to descend vertical surfaces. Would you dare? 

It’s a fascinating and different way to explore unreachable areas that retain spectacular beauty. Few of these areas will have been trodden by man, it’s quite a challenge, isn’t it? 

Tips for Beginners in Rock Climbing

Although rappelling isn’t a complicated sport or one that requires a lot of physical strength, it’s important to master some practices and resources, such as the rappel device and the climbing gear. 

The most advisable is to practice it through a course in a climbing wall: an area specially designed for rappelling and climbing, with surfaces very similar to rocks and mountains. 

With an experienced instructor, you will practice in the best way! When you have a base of techniques and knowledge, it’s time to go to a real scenario… It’s of utmost importance to listen to the guide’s indications, and ask what is necessary! For example, it’s essential to put your legs apart in line with your shoulders when doing vertical descents. 

Equipment needed for rappelling

As in every sport, there is the essential equipment to be able to practice it. Not many things are necessary, but the ones you’ll see below are essential!

• The main climbing rope and auxiliary ropes are necessary to support the weight of our body.
• The harness will also be essential if you want to come back! 😉
• A descender will help you descend more easily.
• Specific rappel shoes. 
• A protective helmet in case of falls or crashes!
• Gloves to improve your grip.
• A carabiner with a safety device for maneuvers. 
• A first aid kit is mandatory, literally, by the Civil Protection. 

Best places to do Rappel 

Colorado canyon

We recommend you to go to this point, as it’s one of the most spectacular places to do rappel in the USA. In this incredible place, you’ll find different climbing areas such as Dead Horse Point (where the famous Mission Impossible movie was filmed) and Spider Rock. 

Spider Rock is a rock monolith of 244 meters where from the top you can see spectacular views of the Grand Canyon, but also if you go up you’ll be on top of one of the most legendary stones of the Navajo Indians, the Spider Woman, a deity of enormous importance to that culture.

Mickey’s beach

Micky’s Beach is located in northern California, approximately two hours from San Francisco, and is one of the areas least exploited by tourism. You can go to this place whether you have experience in rappelling or not, in fact, more than one company is dedicated to teaching it. 

It’s a truly paradisiacal place, where the route is located next to the sea and a few meters from the forest. Here there are several climbing spots of different levels of difficulty. On the other hand, this area has a camping area, so you can sleep next to the climbing spots.

Yosemite

If you are an experienced climber, going climbing in Yosemite Park can be a great memory, especially if you manage to climb El Gran Capitan, the mythical mountain of the natural park. El Gran Capitan is a vertiginous rock mountain of great difficulty for climbers, but also very rewarding since it is a rock over 100,000 years old. 

If you decide to climb Yosemite we recommend that you go first to talk to the information points of the natural park, as there they will advise you about the weather and the prevention of climbing risks in that area and will recommend the best places.

What do you think? Will you dive into this rappelling world?