What goes up will eventually come down. But when descending from the top of a wall, a cliff some or other steep grade, a carefully controlled decline is advisable. Most climbing accidents happen on the way down, not on the way up.
Rappelling, the technique of sliding down a rope, allows climbers to make safe descents from precipitous heights, but it can be a hazardous activity. No text or website can substitute for on-site instruction, but there are some basic concepts that can be learned beforehand.
"Proper rappelling technique can save your life. The correct equipment, body position, and rope handling will keep you in control -- making every rappel just a simple slide down the rope," write S. Peter Lewis and Dan Cauthorn in Climbing: From Gym to Crag.
The first rule for rappelling, whether it's down a rock face or the side of a building, is to take your time.
Carefully check out your harness and hardware. When rappelling, you'll be at the mercy of your equipment.
Check to make sure the rope you're descending on reaches the ground and that your anchors are secure. Knot the ends and belay your partner.
Rappel as smoothly as you can, walking down the wall. Avoid bounding or bouncing as much as possible.
Separate the two strands of rope to minimize kinking while descending. If you're careful not to tangle the ropes during descent, retrieving them will be easier.
Once you're down, pull the rope down from the side that's closest to the wall, reducing the chances of the rope getting jammed by the sling.
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