If you are an adventure person and, especially, a mountain person, climbing is surely one of your passions, but now... Once you are up, how do we get back down? You have the answer in mind and yes: the descent technique in question is called rappelling and thanks to this, you will be able to set foot on solid ground again.
Before getting into the subject it would be good to explain for the most curious what this sport or mountain technique consists of. Because yes, for many it is a sport to enjoy and for others a technique to descend from heights when practicing hiking, canyoningand even caving, since there are many activities that require a vertical descent.
Is this a sport that I can do alone?
Generally, rappelling is a sport practiced in a group with the purpose of maintaining safety in accordance with the type of adventure. If your profile as a rapper is completely beginner, forget about practicing this sport alone. It is better that you maintain a certain respect and put yourself in the hands of professionals who know this sport in its entirety and who can thus help you completely.
What equipment do I need?
Collective team
As we just told you, it is generally a group practice, since it is committed to a safer and more fun sport. That is why you will need a rope, carabiners with insurance and at least two without it and flat tape or a rope for anchoring (there may be a case in which the main rope suffers some mishap and you will need another one to secure it).
Individual team
- Helmet. You should not go out without it, not only because you may experience a fall, but also because there may be stones spilled that would cause damage when they hit you.
- Gloves. Protecting your hands is no nonsense.
- Descender. Thanks to it you will handle yourself more comfortably.
- Harness for the waist or integral. You must always be well subject.
- Carabiner with lock. It is usually self-closing with a safety thread, but you can also find them with a bayonet closure.
- Anchor leg or safety rope. If there is somewhere that is exposed, you will be able to prepare the rappel better.
Friction...
It is the one that allows you to descend, how? Through a mechanical system that will depend on the experience you have or the wall to descend. You can do it with carabiners, belay systems, figure eights or even other instruments such as dreslers.
- Eight. It is the most used system par excellence and on the market you will find numerous models (curved, square, large, small, with ears...). It is best that you use the classic system and pass the rope through the safety carabiner that joins the eight to the harness, as it avoids problems derived from knots such as lark's knots.
- Carabiners. It is the most used system, and can be on one carabiner or on several. If you use a carabiner (the HMS type attached to the harness) you can use two techniques: turns (you surround the carabiner with a minimum of two turns, although it is not recommended) and < u>dynamic knot(offers more play and is usually safer).There is a technique in which several carabiners are used, but it is out of use as it is difficult to remember.
- Other devices. Currently, new mechanisms are emerging such as Gri-Grisor SUM, Reverso plates, or assurance systems strong>solo. Having a device that allows you to secure and descend is much more practical and safer. There are also plates and tubes that do not offer much friction and therefore must be used with a locking system (there are some that come with automatic locking and are more comfortable). You can also find systems such as dreslers or racks, widely used by caving practitioners.
Rappel is a very exciting sport and recommended for all those who love mountains and nature. Don't stop practicing it and remember that it is best that you go accompanied and with material in good condition, because your safety comes first.
