Rappelling

by: Dev Sri

Rappelling is the practice of sliding down a rope in a controlled manner. There are several ways to rappel, the safest and most common way is with the use of a harness, locking carabineer and a belay device. The rope is fed through the device to add friction as the person controls the rate of descent. Climbers, Spelunkers and the Armed Forces use rappelling to safely descend steep slopes and rocks. Rappelling or abseiling is the process of descending a fixed rope.

Rappelling in Kerala

In Kerala there are so many destinations for adventure rappelling sport. Visitors to this place can learn the scientific techniques of rappelling, while also enjoying the naturally beautiful atmosphere and climate.

There are a lot of different ways to rappel down a cliff. The following section will explain how to use standard rock-climbing gear and technique to rappel using a single fifty or sixty meter rope. Rappelling in India is very popular at Kerala.

Step One

Set the rappel anchor. The rappel anchors should be tested before you trust them with your life. You should be securely attached to these anchors with a sling or daisy chain while you proceed through the following steps.

Step Two

Prepare the rope for a single rope rappel. Fix one end of the rope to the rappel anchors by tieing a double figure 8 knot into the carabiners at the end of the equalized anchors. Make sure the rope doesn't go over any sharp edges and that the other end of the rope makes it to the ground.

Step Three

Attach the rappel device to the rope. Be careful not to drop your device as you are attaching it to the rope. Check the manufacturer's instructions for how to use your particular rappel device.

Step Four

Attach your rappel device to your harness. Clip into the rappel device with a locking carabiner. Do not unclip from the anchors (Step 1) until you are sure you are correctly attached to the rappel device, and the rappel device is correctly attached to the rope. After you've tested both the rope and the device, you can unclip your daisy chain from the anchors and proceed with the rappel.

Step Five

Get in position. These instructions assume you are right-handed or are comfortable using your right hand in this. Place your left hand around the rope about 6 inches above the rappel device. Your left hand will be between your rappel device and the anchors holding the rope. Consider wearing gloves to protect your hands.

Step Six

Grab the rope that hangs down out of the rappel device with your right hand and slide your hand on the rope back to your right hip and wrap the rope slightly around your right hip. Your right hand in this configuration is called your brake hand.

Step Seven

Rappel downward. Let some of the rope in your right hand slide up through the rappel device. As you do this you will slide down the rope.

Step Eight

Move past obstructions and overhangs. Make sure not to knock loose any rocks or other debris.

Step Nine

When you are safely on the ground, release the rope from your rappel device and call "Off rappel" for others who may be waiting.

While rappelling in Kerala you can enjoy the mind concentrating with pleasure, thrill and enthusiasm at the very same time.