7 Different Types Of Rappelling – Everything You Need To Know

7 Different Types Of Rappelling – Everything You Need To Know

7 Different Types Of Rappelling – Everything You Need To Know
7 Different Types Of Rappelling – Everything You Need To Know
Knowledge Base / By Kevin Macey
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The art of rappelling is defined as a “controlled descent off a vertical drop”, and is an incredibly important skill for all climbers and outdoor adventurers to learn to remain as safe as possible.
7 Different Types of Rappelling - Everything You Need to Know

Sometimes also known as “abseiling” in other countries, rappelling is one of the more fun, but risky parts of climbing, so therefore requires a considerable amount of practice before being performed in an open environment.

There are lots of different methods of rappelling you can use, each with their own benefits, limitations, and risks.

In this guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at seven of the most important types of rappelling you need to keep in mind. We’ll also look to answer a number of the frequently asked questions.
A Closer Look At Rappelling Techniques

Before explaining more about the various types of rappelling, it’s a good idea to first provide some additional information on the practice.

As touched upon above, rappelling is the term used to describe the act of descending off a vertical drop such as a mountain. This is done using a rope that’s typically attached to an anchor point at the top.

Rappelling is a climbing technique that’s perfect for getting down a mountain or cliff in a quick and efficient manner, as opposed to taking the time and effort to climb back down a steep surface.

Despite the fact that rappelling is usually employed as the descent after a tough upward climb, it’s also become something of an adventure sport for adrenaline seekers in recent years.

Many attribute the invention of rappelling to Jean Charlet-Straton, who reportedly devised the practice in 1876 after getting stuck during a descent in the French Alps.

However, others claim that Edward Whymper – best known for the inaugural ascent of the Matterhorn – had already been using the method.

Irrespective of who first invented the idea of rappelling, it was an incredibly good one, and has since become one of the most popular ways to descend for climbers all over the world.
Standard Rappels

The first of the types of rappelling we’ll take a closer look at is a standard rappel. This is where you lower yourself down a vertical surface, with your feet pressed up against the wall and your back facing the ground.

Pros

Easy to execute
Simple to learn
Useful in most situations

Cons

Difficult and dangerous to do with a load
Slower than most other techniques
Requires a steady surface to brace against

As the name of this technique suggests, the standard rappel is by far the most common, and one which you’ll definitely need to perfect. Unsurprisingly, it’s also the easiest and the first type of rappel that most beginners learn with.

Despite the fact that standard rappels are relatively straightforward compared to many of the other types of rappelling we’ll go on to explain later in this guide,

it’s essential that you don’t take them lightly. After all, standard rappels are the area where most climbing accidents happen.

To use the standard rappelling technique correctly, connect the belay device around your pelvis via a harness. This type of rappel is extremely popular and ideal for simple situations where you just need to get down to the ground.

Standard rappelling is also great for beginners who are new to the art of rappelling. This is because the technique easily allows you to have full control of the speed of your descent.

So, for those new to rock climbing, or another similar activity, it’s highly recommended to familiarize yourself with a standard rappel.

Despite its clear benefits, it’s worth noting that standard rappels have their drawbacks. For example, if you’re trying to carry any type of load with you,

they can become incredibly difficult to execute. They’re also much slower than most other rappelling techniques.

As mentioned above, the vast majority of climbing accidents occur when climbers use a standard rappel.

This is mainly because climbers become overconfident in their abilities, and ignore many of the essential safety steps that are required from a standard rappel.

7 Different Types Of Rappelling – Everything You Need To Know
7 Different Types Of Rappelling – Everything You Need To Know
7 Different Types Of Rappelling – Everything You Need To Know
7 Different Types Of Rappelling – Everything You Need To Know
7 Different Types Of Rappelling – Everything You Need To Know