How to Downclimb a Rock Face

Rock climbing has a growing number of supporters. It is one of the last places that man pits himself against Mother Nature. It brings with it a measure of danger. One wrong move can mean the difference between life and death. Despite the precautions that we take, there is no guarantee of a safe return. Downclimbing is the same thing as rock climbing, but from top to bottom.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Take a quick inventory of what you have with you that you might need on the trek down the rock face. Decide before you start if you will attempt this downclimb with a top rope or if you will do it freestyle. Free climbing is dangerous especially on a rated climb. Even experienced climbers can get into trouble on a descent of a known route. Every hold and foot placement will look different from up above than it does when you are doing an ascent of the very same climb. Make sure you have the equipment to be able to rappel off the rock if you get caught in a bind.

2. Begin the descent slowly and make sure you retrain your mind to look for holds for your hands and feet from this new angle. One characteristic of a good climber is the ability to look five or six movements ahead to make sure he isn't climbing into a dead end or into a section that will require more skill than he has. Downclimbing requires much the same skills as does climbing up a route.

3. Keep your wits about you. In your mind, work out a path down the rock. Many downclimbers use the approach of a crab climbing down the rock with their face towards the outside of the rock. This shifts their weight and pressure away from the rock as opposed to climbing up a rock, when your weight and pressure are applied directly into the rock.

Tips & Warnings

• Rock climbing is an extreme sport and is very dangerous. Anyone undertaking this sport assumes all responsibility for their own actions and the results of those actions.

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