On belay? Belay on! Welcome to the School of Red Rock! As your instructor, I’ll prepare you to experience the full rappelling package. It includes up-close and personal views of narrow slot canyons, as well as birds-eye panoramic views of sprawling canyon networks, distant hoodoos, and the curve of the earth.
Dangling a hundred feet in the air can feel a little unsafe at times. Luckily, skilled canyoneers and novices alike can access the gadgets needed to experience a canyon safely. Get ready to take notes on important safety gear so you can feel as secure as a bolted anchor while you prepare for your next rappelling trip. Class is in session!
First Period: Body Protection
Let’s start at the top—pick a helmet with a fully rigid shell. Biking helmets can work as well, but a solid helmet offers better protection against rocks and will survive longer inside a backpack.
While you’re at it, throw in a pair of plastic or padded gloves, such as gardening gloves. While only a brake hand glove is absolutely necessary, having gloves for both hands will protect you against rope burn as you descend. The thicker the glove, the longer it will take for friction to burn through the material.
Second Period: Harnesses
The next thing you’ll need as you gear up to rap down is a harness. What makes a rappelling harness special? Look for the direction of the loophole—the tie-in point—at the front of the harness. If it’s vertical, it’s a climbing harness. If it’s horizontal, it’s a rappelling harness. A horizontal loophole will allow you to hook a carabiner through and add a rappelling device oriented to safely feed the rope to your brake hand.
If you’re worried about sliding across the rock as you descend, consider picking a harness with a butt scoot, a plastic flap at the back of the harness that will keep your clothes from ripping.
Third Period: Rope Devices
You’ll need a bunch of locking carabiners and a versatile rappelling device. While there are many kinds of rappelling devices to choose from, many canyoneers prefer the Critr. This device is shaped like a little alien with arms and legs. Each arm allows you to easily add friction or tie off mid-rappel.
Other device options include the Sqwurel, ATS, or Figure 8. Whatever you choose, ensure that you know how the rope should enter the device and that it offers enough friction for your skill level.
Homework Assignment
For extra safety measures, look into bringing a tether, plenty of webbing, quicklinks, and a prusik. All these serve as precautions when a basic anchor isn’t enough.
That’s the bell—class dismissed! Best of luck with your next canyoneering trip. Rappel on!
—Ashley Wilson