Comments on: How to Rappel Down a Cliff

on 8/15/2008 People still use 8s? Funny, most pros use an ATC to rapp like the one pictured above so you can eliminate extra gear. Yes, it is a belay device, but is the preferred rapp device as well. 8s are fine but can cause twisting in the rope and are more difficult to use with smaller diameter single ropes (<10mm) that are common today.

That being said, you should always go with a pro when starting out. Gym climbing experience doesn't count.

on 8/11/2008 I have a few tips.....
1. NEVER DO THIS WITHOUT A PROFESSIONAL!!!
2. "Consider wearing gloves to protect your hands."...WTF!!....Wear gloves if you life your hands burn free
3. Also the device depicted in the above pictures is a belay device and should not be used for rappelling....you want to use an "8 ring"
4. You Need a belay person at the bottom is apply tension on the line in the event of an emergency.
5. If you are reading this....chances are you need professional help or you are a professional looking for a laugh(like me). So get the help you need don't risk it.

on 8/8/2006 In a pinch, you can use a knot called a muenter hitch to belay with only a carabiner. Prussik takes an extra length of rope; muenter takes an extra piece of gear. Know them both.

on 8/8/2006 My tip would be to use a backup knot when rappelling. Oh, and instead of tying the two ends together (as in #2), you might want to try two individual stopper-knots. I'll admit I haven't tried the big loop for myself, but it seems that a big loop or rope would be much harder to deal with if it ever found its way into a tree.

on 12/8/2005 "I put my harness on backward and hookup like I would normally..."

This can be done safely, but from my own experience, you would probably find it a little more comfortable leaving your harness on in its proper fashion, and hooking your carabineer to the waste band in the back, rather than rotating the entire harness. Safety is paramount - Aussie is recommended for only the sport of rappelling, it is not advised when you are exhausted and descending from a climb.

on 11/22/2005 Australian style is descending the cliff facing forward, rather than descending facing backward. By going Australian style, you can go faster. The thrill of going down face first is overwhelming. Get comfortable going down backwards first. To go down Australian style, I put my harness on backwards and hookup like I would normally. When going down Australian style, always remember to let someone check your hook up. Don't hook up to any straps that are on the back of your harness. Those are for holding extra equip. Remember, safety is paramount.

on 11/22/2005 More people are injured rappelling than climbing. You're tired, you're done with the climb, you're thinking about getting back to the car and maybe having a beer...It's easy to let your attention slip when you're tired and it's getting dark. Keep focused, pay attention, and BE CAREFUL!

on 11/22/2005 Tie your own Swiss Seat and double wrap the rope; this is OK for general rappeling.

on 11/22/2005 If you tie both ends of the rope together, using an overhand knot, you create a safety knot that ensures that both ends make it to the ground. In the unfortunate event that they do not, the safety knot keeps you from rapelling off the end of the rope.