Do you dare to defy gravity and live an unforgettable experience? Discover everything you need to know about rappelling, the extreme sport that allows you to descend vertical walls and enjoy unique landscapes. From its physical and mental benefits to the different types and techniques, this article will prepare you for your next adventure. Keep reading to conquer new heights!
What is Rappelling?
This extreme sport for the most adventurous is based on descending vertical surfaces in a controlled manner.
Rappelling began as an auxiliary process of climbing, but now it is an adventure sport in itself. It is most commonly carried out on rock walls, both with and without water. This modality allows access to places that cannot be reached by other means due to slopes that are too steep or dangerous, so you can enjoy unique landscapes both at the start and during the rappel descent.
It is used in various fields: industry, climbing, caving, etc. In short, in any activity that requires a vertical descent. In canyoning, this is one of the most used techniques to safely access certain areas of the route where the river, jumps, or slides do not allow us to access.
Benefits of Rappelling
Practicing rappelling has many health benefits, both physically and psychologically.
To rappel, it is necessary to be in good physical shape, but it also requires a great capacity for concentration and confidence. This is why rappellers constantly care for and work on their health at all levels.
The sport of rappelling allows you to be in direct contact with nature and enjoy unparalleled landscapes and scenes, which greatly contributes to mental health, as it gives rise to unparalleled experiences, allowing you to experience a sensation similar to flying, of unique freedom.
Furthermore, it is a sport that, although risky, is characterized by its relative ease of learning.
Types of Rappelling According to Purpose and Technique
There are different types of rappelling based on their purpose:
- Industrial: This type of rappelling requires extensive knowledge and handling of the necessary equipment.
- Tourist: It is accessible to anyone as long as it is directed and supervised by experts.
- Tactical: It is used by specialists or military personnel and requires extensive training.
Additionally, according to the type of technique, we also find distinctions:
- Friction or body contact rappelling
- Arm rappel: Used on slopes with little inclination. It consists of using a rope placed over the shoulder that passes between the arms, which must remain extended, using the hand to control the speed of the descent.
- Dulfer rappel: The rope passes between the legs and around the hips, passing over the opposite shoulder and across the chest, down the back, controlling the descent with the hand.
- Carabiner rappelling
- Gramminger or firefighter’s rappel: Requires 7 D-shaped carabiners, 1 with a lock, 4 without a lock, and 2 carabiners with opposing gates.
- Brake carabiner: A carabiner is used that has 2 or 3 turns of the rope to control the descent and 1 carabiner to secure the harness.
- With descenders
- With 8: Uses a metal piece in the shape of an 8. One of the rings is connected to the harness by means of a carabiner, and the rope enters and exits through the other, rotating through the center and creating friction, which allows control of the descent.
- With pulley: The pulley is used as a descender, so a completely vertical descent can be controlled simply and thoroughly.
- With tubular instruments: This is the most widely used technique currently, as it is very safe. There is a wide variety of models with different features depending on the needs.
- With marimba: Descenders formed by bars through which the rope passes are used. Horizontal bars can be added or removed to control friction and descent speed. It can be used with wet or muddy ropes and is predominant in the field of speleology.
Equipment: Rappelling Items
There are a series of rappelling items that are necessary to ensure a safe descent. We’ll tell you about them:
- Rappelling harness: Securely holds the person during the activity. It should be lightweight, not bulky, comfortable, and resistant.
- Descenders: For controlled descent. There is a wide variety:
- Figure-eight
- Tubular
- Self-locking
- Stop
- Rappelling with Grigri 2
- Bar or marimba
- Verso
- Pirana
- Pulley
- Helmet: It is essential for the activity. It not only protects in case of a fall but also works in cases of rockfall or swinging against the wall while rappelling.
- Protective gloves: They protect from friction, improve grip, and help to improve control during the descent.
- Carabiners: They allow for maneuvers and have a locking mechanism to prevent unexpected openings.
- Anchor: Where the rope is secured. It is the most important element, it must always be strong and reliable, and should be as close as possible to the rappel line.
- Artificial: Materials such as pitons or splits are used to create them.
- Natural: Located in nature.
- Rappelling rope: It is advised not to use ropes less than 8 mm in diameter. It must be clean and in good condition to ensure a safe descent, in addition to having an appropriate rappel knot, if necessary.
- Dynamic: They are elastic when retaining a falling body.
- Static: They are not very elastic, so they should not be used to secure people at risk of falling.
- Pulley: This is a fundamental element, as it is the emergency mechanism used to rescue a person.
- Belay device: It is a mechanical instrument designed to improve individual safety and control the rope during rappel descent.
How to Get Started in Rappelling
The most important thing to keep in mind when starting to rappel is not to do it alone. The first rappel descents should be done accompanied by an experienced professional. Although the activity causes a great adrenaline rush in those who practice it, it is incredibly dangerous if you don’t have the necessary safety knowledge on issues related to inclination, equipment, or terrain, among others.
The best way to get started in rappelling is to begin practicing with professionals, preferably as part of some other activity, and gradually increase the difficulty. At Cangas Aventura, you can take your first steps in rappelling accompanied by the best professionals in canyons. Our routes offer rappels from 6 to 24 meters in height and various difficulties.
Discover the thrill of rappelling and its incredible benefits with Cangas Aventura. Enjoy unique landscapes while sliding down vertical walls in a safe and exciting way.
Book your adventure today and conquer new heights!