Abseiling/Rappelling

abseiling

Abseiling is the technique of sliding down a rope at a safe speed. During the descent the application of controlled friction determines the speed of descent.

Controlling the friction on the rope can be done in two ways:

1.Using the body wrap method

2.Using one of the many mechanical friction devices such as a Figure eight descender (the much safer way)

PERSONAL EQUIPMENt

1. Footwear – should be comfortable and provide good ankle support

Climbing shoes or boots are not acceptable, as although they provide excellent grip, they provide no ankle support.

2. Shirts – Full-length sleeves are preferred, but should not be loose as they may foul the descender or karabiners. Short sleeves or tee shirts are also suitable.

3. Trousers – Should not be overly loose, but should be comfortable and allow plenty of movement.

NYLON OR SYNTHETIC CLOTHING should not be worn due to the possibility the material melting into the skin by the heat caused by friction between the rope and descender whilst abseiling.

4. Jewellery – NO LONG HANGING JEWELLERY should be worn.

5. Hair – All long hair and fringes, must be tied back, tucked in or a hat be worn. This is to prevent it from being tangled in the rope or decender.