The History of Rappelling

Rappelling (or abseiling, as it is also known) is a way of getting down from the top of a mountain or building by sliding down a rope. The word abseiling comes from the German words for "descending at the end of a rope." There are several different ways to do this, and as new equipment and techniques come out, more new and exciting ways to achieve this have come to light.

Rappelling down the face of a rock

Origins

The origin of rappelling is attributed to Jean Esteril Charlet, a Chamonix guide who lived from 1840-1925. He created the basic technique in 1876 in a failed attempt to rappel down the Petit Dru in the Alps. After several more failed solo attempts, he hired two other Chamonix guides to assist, and in 1879 he perfected his method of rappelling and made the first successful descent down the Petit Dru.

Modern Methods

Several methods have since been developed. The Dulfersitz rappel was created by Hans Dulfer (a German mountain climber) in the beginning of the 1900s.The Geneva system, a modified version of the Dulfersitz, was created a few years later, but because of difficulty in controlling the ropes, it never became widely used.
Rappelling became increasingly popular in the 1960s, with the invention of the carabiner brake system, and by the 1980s modern advances allowed for lighter rope and more durable equipment and brought rappelling into the industrial market.

Industrial Uses

Rappelling down the side of a building

Because of the advancement in equipment and procedures, many professions began using rappelling as a basic work method in the 1960s. Firefighters and rescue workers use rappelling from helicopters as a way to approach fire-prone areas or victims in rocky or densely wooded areas. Window washers, police forces and the military are other professions that use this method for special jobs.

Dangers

Rappelling from great heights.

Rappelling is one of the easiest things in climbing, but it is also one of the most dangerous. The most common danger is sliding off the end of the rope. Other dangers are getting loose clothing caught in the ropes, getting long hair caught and getting ropes tangled caught in cracks or crevasses in rocks. Many climbers carry knives to use in the event that their hair or clothes get caught in the ropes.

Different Names

Rappelling, over the centuries, has gained a worldwide respect. Being known by different names in different areas, more and more, people are using it as a quick way to descend from high altitudes. Whether you call it rappelling, or abseiling, rapping, rap jumping or rap rocking, you will quickly see the benefits of the sport. With the spectacular views, thrills and physical gains of this form of rock descent, rappelling is a demanding and exciting activity.

References

• Rappel Program History
• The History of Rappelling
• Rappelling Dangers

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish